OFFICIAL OPENING

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 167, 11 April 1935, Page 15

OFFICIAL OPENING

Confidence in the Future of the Country. TOAST LIST HONOURED Confidence in the Government and m the future of New Zealand was expressed by Mr. 11. 11. Mosely. M.A., a director of the Prudential Assurance Company, London, in proposing r.be toast of “The Government” at the official openinc of the Prudential Building yesterday. "The fact that the Prudential Company has selected Wellington for the site of its first building in the Dominion shows confidence in the Government and the future of New Zealand.” he said. “The Government of this country is held in very high esteem in England, and we congratulate the Ministers on the way they have dealt with the depression.” Replying to the toast, the Hou, E. A. Ransom, M.P.. said it was very encouraging to know that a company witn such wide ramifications throughout the world had confidence not only in the Government, but also in the Dominion. The growt hand development of the company’s work was of great importance. and the company had established a beautiful building in the capital of New Zealand. Insurance companies, he continued, conveyed great benefits to the com-, munity. They gave opportunities to those in employment to make provision for their old age and to make provision for their dependants; they provided security for advances, and made . provision for liquid assets at death. In proposing the toast of “The Prudential,” the Hon. Adam Hamilton said that, although old-established, the company had come to New Zealand only recently—in 1923. The Prudential was one of the companies which undertook all classes of work," and it was one of the largest insurance companies in the British Empire, if not in the world. “It is a wonderful example of the expansion of a business,” said Mr. Hamilton. “I cannot but be impressed bv the responsibility of the directors m handling £290,000,000.” The toast was replied to by Mr. G. I”. Warrep and Mr. G. A. Taylor. The toast of “The Prudential Building” was proposed by the Mayor. Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, and was replied to by Mr. J. F. Hennessy, architect, and Mr. A. C. Lewis, contractor.