HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15022, 17 July 1914, Page 8

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

T_r KSDAY, JfLT 16

AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. METHODIST CHURCH. Mr BOLLARD introduced a private Bill to amend the -Methodist Church Charitable Trust Act, 1-07. and the Bill was read a tir.t time. ~ STATE FIRE INSI"RANGE. The Hon. F. M. B. FISHER laid a Da per on the table ot the House dealing with the State I'ire insurance Department, and a lengthy discussion ensued. Mr BELL held that the State office should not be used as a monopoly against private companies. There was no reason why the oiate oflice should be bolstered up, and it was not in existence to drive private companies out of New Zealand. Sir JOSEPH W.VIMi pointed out that previous to the establishment of the State Fire Insurance Department, rates were fixed beyond the shores of New Zealand. After the establishment of the Department insurance rates were reduced 33 l-3rd per cent. If the State had not made it a condition that those obtaining advances should insure with the State, the Department would never have got upon its feet. He did ii ot agree that people should be compiled to insure with the State at a higher rate than could be obtained from private companies. The Government Insurance Department had done «ood work, but it was not an enemy to private companies. The discussion was interrupted by the -.30 p.m. adjournment.