THE GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION.

Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 116, 19 May 1886, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION.

The annual report of the Government Insurance Association has been issued in anticipation of the meeting of policyholders to bo held next month. The accounts and balance-sheet havo been duly audited and certified by the Controller and AuditorGeneral. From the report wo learn that the now proposals received during the year numbered 6423, for a total sum of J31,393,249 18s, as against 4520 proposals presented tho previous year for .£1,137,217 4s 7d. Of the proposals received 4379 became policies assuring .£859,769 16s, and annuities for .£569 13s 8d por annum as against 3309 policies issued in 1884 insuring ,£800,016 Is 9d, and annuities for .£3lO la 2d per annum. The number of proposals declined was 487, and in the remainder of tho cases the proposers failed to complete. At the end of 1885 the accumulated fund amounted to .£1,102,034 Us lid, showing an increase of JJ129.258 17s 6d. The now business during tho year was in excess of that of the provious year, and above tho average of the quinquennial period whioh it closed. The cost entailed by tho transfer of the business from a Government department to an incorporated association is stated to have boen .£3400. With regard to the investment of funds, the report states that " tho Board has lent, and is continuing to lend, considerable sums on mortgage of freohold property. Very great care is exercised in every case to ascertain that the seenrity is a desirable one. Tho Board is also taking up the debentures of municipal 1 bodies authorised by Parliament. Tho Board, at tho wish of the Govornment, has agreed that not less than two-fifths of the assets for the tim j being shall be invested in Government securities ; any investment beyond that amount in these securities to be optional with the Board." With regard to . the industrial branoh of the Association, now being rapidly wound up, we learn that , the policios in force at the end of the year numbered 4193, assuring a fixed sum ou 1 adult lives and a varying sum on those of 1 the children, amounting in all to a total of 1 ,£59,514 135. The weekly premiums on the policies in force in this branch amounted to JJS2 12s. The sum paid for death claims during tho year was 4575 ss. In tho ordinary . branch the revenue recoived from renewal premiums was 4171,5/02 12s P-d, and from new , proposals i6i0,974 17b 3d, representing an annual income from these polioies of .£26,008 15s lid, Tho claims paid on pplioies amounted to J853.700 8s and endowments ' equal to ,£GOO matured. Surrender value was paid to the extent of JE14,820 3s Bd, and 1 bonuses wero paid in cash amounting to .£460 19s 4J. Tho expeljaes of management ' are sot down at .£28,205 0s 2d, with i 2s 3d commission on new business and , J51124 5s 7d on renowals, The balance-sheet 1 shows that there is outstanding an amount i of .£118,265 18s 7d lent to polioyholders on . their policies within their surrender value.

Sir George Grey lost no time in bringing up the New Hebrides question yesterday, and rather surprised the House by throwing discredit on the accuracy of tno Press cable messages received, whjoh had announced that tho demands of France were not to bo aoceded to. What authority Sir George Grey had for doing this we do not know, but the impression he created was that he was in roceipt of direct communications from the Government' of Victoria on the subject. We can scarcely believe that tho Government of that colony would communicate with one of the Opposition leaders on such a subject, and give him information which it withheld from the Government of Now Zealand, The further news reoeived on the subjpet frpm England affords conclusive proof, however, that whatever source of information Sir George Grey possessed, ho was misinformed, and that the New Hebrides question has been definitely settled in the manner which he yestorday declined to boliovo was the caso, Under those circumstances tho> resolutions givon notice of by Sir George Grey 04 the subject lose most of their interest, These resolutions affirm that New Zealand bas)»o rights over tho New Hebrides, except such as arise from the exertions it ha* made'to provide for the education and civilisation of the natives, and withr out their consent itf has no desire to federate or annox the Islands— that this oolony should continue its efforts to maintain commercial and friendly relations with the inhabitants of the Islands, and that this colony has no power to agree to any foreign power taking possession of thorn, and can neither claim nor receive any equivalent or concession for assenting to an unjust, cruel, and immoral act. The resolutions then go on to question the right of Great Britain to qsspnj; to the disposal of the lands and destinies of ft friendly people, without their consent, and they question whether tho necessities of foreign policy ci» dpraand or justify such action. A regret la-'exprossed that Franco, a country with which New Zealand desires to maintain tho most friendly relations, should persist in ihe policy of transporting criminals to the'Taoifie, bnt cannot accept her offer to discontinue this practice as the price for the New Hebrides; as neither to gain advantago nor escape a threatened evil can the House agree to the proposed Finally , an address to the Queen «* Prop^gdf asking her to prevent the inhabitant* <of Australia, New Zealand, and the Islands of the Pacifip ftpm being prejudiced in this matter. Tho resolutions aro very volumnious, rather weak in construction, and not Hkely to commend themselves to the House in their presont form. Sir George Grey's demand yesterday for the produfijjonpf gXL cpnfidenjaalfeorrpspondence on the subject w^s % most extraordinary a nd unjustifiable one. ' ' ¦* Writing on tho Asylums pf the cojony, the Jnspaoto? in his annual report referring to the asylum site at Porirna, says :-=¦" The Government there owns an estate whioh possesses great advantages as a site for an asylum, and on which a colony of working male lunatics might be established, in connection with the Wellington Asylum, at a pppt of a few hundred' pounds only. The site is (sertainly superior to any of those now oceupjM jjy ifsyluiOß in the colony ; and, being situafcofl on g Uiio of railway it will bo >e«4JJy reaqhed bp&h frpm the Napier and tno Taran^ki distrjota. The soil is good, and at^pWPeot parries a largo number -of sheep and (rattle, as it has done for years past. There is a large and nover-failing supply of good water, which can readily be stored at a consider4.1/lg elevation. - Brick-earth exists in abundMQ9, (Wl PjHßfl 8 for forming roads is obtainable from WP PoriFua steeam running through a portion of the ostete. Fiipwood 'suißoient for several year*' us£ |s aysjjkble, The buildings can be erected so ¦&* to bare a proper aspeot and a good view^ anil to be, with their airing-courts, quite screened from the public road. The patients might be omployod-ftt first in cultivating "certain portions and forming roods and paths, as well as in olearajr away the lush and stumps of trees; ready market for all agricultural and garden produce not required at the Wellington Asylum being fonnd in the city. I hold the opinion that immense benefit would result from the addition of such resources to the Wellington Asylum in the way of suitable employment for its lunatics, combined with change of scene and air ; and I can only regret that, although the Legislature has more than oocfi #a&# the necessary finances, tho Government te pst seen fit to put the works in hand for jateaU&ulnfir gn <juxilibry asylum in so excellent a situ»tioft,' ! Mr. Wilson has given notice of a bill to alter the boundaries of tho Wellington and Wanganni Education districts. We believe the object is to include OttCri in the Wellington district. The Defence Bill to bo introduced in the Council iy .the Hon. Colonial Secretary consolidates all the existing Militia, Armed CopsHLbnlary, and Vblupteer Acts, and introdncg? a nnmbpr of valuable" amendments. No less than 450 fllansesl orvanousAiite no condensed into 118 mV ±M£

The Hon. the Minister of Justice was interviewed by a deputation this morning relative to the proposal to construct a road ilong the sea beach from Lyell's Bay to Island Bay. The deputation comprised the Mayor, Mr. C. Hill, and Messrs. J. Collins, S. Agate, md Falkner, members of the Kilbirnie Road Board. The Hon. Mr. Tole was asked whether Government would be willing to illow some of the convicts to be employed in carrying out the work, the Board, of sourse, to pay for the labour at the usual rate of remuneration, viz., 2s 6d per man per diem. Mr. Tole, in replying, said he was afraid that he could not accede to the request after having deolined the application of the City Council for the services of prisoners In constructing 1 road through tho Town Belt, so as to make mother outlet to Karori. The road proposed tobe made frotn. Lyell Bay to Island Bay might bo useful for defence purposes, and he would promise to consult with the Hon. Mr. Ballance as to whether any money could be voted to the Board on that ground. The interview terminated after the hon. gentleman had promised to let the deputation know the decision of the Defence Minister iv a day or two. The annual meeting of the members of the Press Gallery of the House of Representatives was held yesterday afternoon, about 14 gentlemen being present. Mr. Morrison, of tho Hawke's Bay Herald, was unanimously elected chairman, and Mr. J. Oakley Browne, of the Evening Post, vice-chair-man. The lighting of the House of Representatives i 3 now as nearly perfect as possible. The opal globes to the electric light give a beadtifully subdued light, which is evenly distributed throughout the chamber. The press representatives of the gallery are, however, placed at a disadvantage, as they are almost iv a direct lino with the myriads of burners, and this is exceedingly trying to tho eyes. This morning Messrs. Morrison and lh-owne waited upon tho Minister for Public Works, and drew his attention to the evil, and Mr. Richardson at once requested Dr. Lemon to devise some means of shading the gallery from the full glare of the lights. At the meeting of the Benevolent Institution yesterday afternoon, the Mayor called attention to tho fact that under section 53 of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, Messrs. H.S. Wardell, G. Fisher, and T. McKenzie had vacated their seats on the Board, on account of their absence from four consecutive meetings. Tho Mayor pointed out that tho Trustees had power to fill the vacancies, and mentioned that on ascertaining that the first-named two gentlemen had forfeited their places, he had communicated with them. Mr. Wardell declined under the circumstances to seek reelection, and Mr. Fisher wrote that he felt reluctantly compelled to relinquish his seat, as the Houso sits every Tuesday, and it will thus be impossible for him to attend the meetings. Opinions were expressed by the Mayor, and Messrs. Wilson and Van Staveren, that Mr. Wardell should, if possible be prevailed upon to keep his seat. Mr. Danks thought the Trustees should not communicate further with the members before re-filling the vacancies, It was finally decided to postpone consideration of the matter until next meeting. The scientist belonging to tho Japanese warship will deliver a lecture in tho Clifton Terrace Training School this evening at 7.30. After having given judgment to-day in the cases arising from the recent disturbances at the Salvation Barracks, Mr. Stratford, 8.M., said he felt assured that his remarks on the subjoct, and his treatment of tho offenders, would have some good effect. If ho were remaining hero for any length of time, and the offenceß wore repeated, he would raise his hand still higher, as he was determined to put a stop to such unseemly affairs, which were disgraceful to the city. In declining to hear any remarks from counsel this morning, after a decision had been given, Mr. Stratford, R.M., said that when once he had pronounced his judgment he would stiok to it, whether right or wrong, and could hear nothing further in reference to the case. At the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr. H. A. Stratford, R.M., James Mills, a fireman belonging to the s.s. Tainui, pleaded Guilty to tho charge of having been drunk and disordorly on the Queen's Wharf yesterday. Constable Bollingor gave evidence in proof of the disorderly behaviour, and a fine of Jsl was inflicted, or in default 48 hours' imprisonment. Mary Ann White, an old offender with a very black record, was charged with havjng boon drunk for the third time within six months. Accused pleodedNot Guilty, but Constables M'Anarin and Slight proved the charge. Inspector Shearman stated that there were 42 previous convictions against tho aooused. Sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour. The Benevolent Institution is in the somewhat awkward financial position of depending for funds upon tho United District Board, who, in their turn, havo to set the machinery in motion for the collection of the amounts levied upon tho various local bodies for oharitable purposes. At the meeting held yesterday afternoon, the Treasurer (Mr. Powles) stated that he had no moneys available wherewith to meet tho accounts then passed for payment. The proper application had been made to tho United Distrwt Board, who, he believed, had applied to the locaj bodies. Tho Mayor Baiathe claim upon the City Council would bo considered by tho Finance Committee this (Wednesday) afternoon, and if it were decided, to pay it, the money would be available on Tuesday. It was decided to.pass the accounts for payment in anticipation of the receipt of the required fnnds, The household furniture in the bankrupt estate of John Stuart Reid was sold at auction yesterday by Messrs. T. K. Moodonald & Co., the sum realised being J2207 15s. It will be recollected that at the meeting of creditors on Monday, the Official Assignee stated that tho goods had bean Valued by the firm in question, who estimated that they would soil at auction for .£2lO. It will thus be seen that the pro. coeds amounted to £2 5s under the estimate. The beacon at Jaoksou'i Head will probably be finished in about three weeks. Mr. J, Riohardß, the foreman, informs us that up to the present time 275 tons of concrete has been used, and it is likely it will take another 100 tons to finish it. Tho beacon has now reached a height of 24 feet. An anonymous donor, writing from Wairoa, Napier, and signing the initials "W.H.8.," has forwarded £1 to the Secretary of the Bone volent Institution, expres> sing the charitable hope that the money might provide some poor family with a meal. The Mayor remarked to the mem&rs of the Benevolent Institution yesterday that if any loafers who might be taking advantage of the Trustees were compelled to work to double the amount of the cost of their board, it would tend to make them clear out. The' Rev, H, Van Staveren protested against such a suggestion as being oruel in the extreme. The Mayor said he merely threw out the hint for consideration, and at some future tome he might move in the matter, Mr, A. Wilson expressed the opinion that the step would be a wise one, The Rev, H, Van Staverea replied that jt was a step whiob he hoped the Trustees would never adopt. If they did so it would be a lasting disgrace. Tho Mayor observed that bis anxiety that something should bo got out of $io men was the only motive for what ho hid said, and the subject was then dropped. Mr, H. Preston, brother of Mr. F. J. Preßton, wine merchant, of Lambton-quay, met with a slight accident yesterday, while going off in a boat with a companion, on a business visit to the Japanese man-of-war. Tho two gentlemen had got ; close to the vessel, when Mr. Preston leant over the side of the bont, intending to tako hold of another boat whioh lay alongside the ship, and so draw hia, own boat to the gangway. In doing this ,Be incautiously overbalanced himself, and although he succeeded in getting his hands on the gunwale of the other boat, his,legs and body slipped into the sea. The only result was a rather uncomfortablo wettwg, which, however, has not been fol-4 lowed by any more serious consequences. ¦&, The horseß attached-^ a cab pwned b| Mr. J. Cotterill, of Lorne : Btreet, and driven by a man named Thomas Williams, took flight frpm th.c Wrillington-Manawatu Railway Company's station last evening, having been startled by ftp wWstle pf one qf the approaching trains. The runaway started alopg Thorndon Quay, but soon' collided with one of the lamp-posts, breaking a small piece out of it, The aab was overturned and seriously divm»ged, but fortunately it contained no passengers, The public} presentation to Mr, J. P, Fjrth, late of the Wellington College, wil] beWde at the Post Office Hotel »t 8 o'clock tomorrow evening. A gojd w*tch and chain, valued at JJSO, have bee» purchased, and a testimonial is being illuminated by Mr. Bock. Mr. Firth leaves for Christchurch on Friday evening. AprPPOf of a case considered by the Trustees of thp Benpvolont Institution yesterday tfternoon, Mr, A, Wilsgn §xpresßed wonder is to what lnauatrioui people do with their w>noy, that way of them seem unable to make provision top old age. Mr, Danks ;aid he believed the majority of the Indus, :nal classes did not earn sufficient to ocenmu. ate anything. A labouring man with a anuly to support and rent to pay, found all us earnings swallowed up in current expenses, The peat mass never had a chanoe » «*vp, for the v«y good reason that they lever ha 4 anythjnar to lay adde. Tho weekly meeting of the Trustees of ihe Benevolent Institution was held at the }orporation offices yeiterday afternoon, ftesant— The Mayor (in the ohair), Bey. H. Tbm Staveron, Messrs. A. Wilson and S 3anks. Tho Secretary (Mr. A. G. Johnson) eported that the old men had been transerred to the house of Mr. Barry, the new rontractor. An application from Alfred^ iVilldnson for payment of the cost of a pasage to Danedin, to enable him tcapply >ersonally to the captain of the Rvmpehu or employment, was refused. A letter was eceiyed from the Secretary of the District lospital Board, inviting the Trustees to .ttend a meeting to consider,^ stops to be aken for the maintenance of the charitable nstitntionß of the city bj' ( voluntary means i) order to avoid the uriposition of a poor ate. It was decided U> respond to the initation. The Secretary was instructed to oake a claim npon thi Napier District Board or the cost incurred in relieving a family laihng from that paU of the colony, who are iow a burden upon the institution. Two enders tor funerals Were received, and that if Mr. E. Morris wfea accepted at JJI 18s ach interment. THe relief lists were re¦iewed, and the usual instructions were iven. _Acoounts amounting to .£B2 wore. *fi e Sr or i.S a7 ' ' 1 Tho wse of a man, «**"» V*2&' ifronf rheumatism, and Boymont, tpts bronglit I that lie bo «ent to the .temporary measure, Jiness. W - j|fr c latest apceß^ins to

Notice is given by the Corporation authorities that the Wainui water aupply will be cut off on Friday next in oider to enablo the connection to be made with tho Wellington Woollen Co.'h Factory at Petone. During the time tho Wainui water cannot be used (which will not exceed the one day) tho Polhill Gully supply will be turned on, but as this source will not reach those on the highest levels, we should advise those whose houses are on high ground to store their water on Thursday night. A public meeting was held at the Tawa Flat School yesterday for the election of a School Committee, Mr. Taylor being in the ohair. The following gentlemen were elected for the ensuing year :— Messrs. E. Earp, E. Hyde, James Taylor, D. Ryan, Eli Allen, J. Moore, and William Woodman. After the election a meeting of the committee was held, when Mr. E. Earp was elected chairman and Mr. Home secretary and treasurer. In proposing that the Trustees of the Benevolent Institution should meet those of other charitable bodies to consider tho steps to be taken for raising voluntary funds, the Rev. H ; Van Staveren remarked yesterday afternoon that he hoped the ministers of religion who had been troubled so much at the prospect of a poor rate would show their appreciation of the efforts of citizens in putting their hands into their own pockets. He trusted that those gentleman would endeavour to establish a fixed rule of haying a Hospital Sunday at least once or twice in tho year. The attention of members of the Naval Artillery in directed to an announcement in another column calling upon them to parado in future on Wednesday evenings at Mount Cook. A meeting of tho Southern Cross Lodge, 1.0.0. F., will bo held this evening. A full attendance is requosted. Special attention is directed to the advertisement of E. W. Mills & Co., ironmongers and ship chandlers, whioh appears elsewhere. The firm give a list of the various commodities they import, and the agencies they possess. It may bo mentioned that the advertisements of Messrs. E. W. Mills & Co. and of Mr. E. H. Crease are the only two business announcements whioh will be found both in the Evening Post of February 9th, 1865, 1 and in our issue of today. Messrs. S. and W. Maokay, booksellers, have an advertisement elsewhere calling attention to their recently arrived supply of new books by the s.s. Tainui. Messrs. Hasell & Co. willSsell to-morrow, furniture, watches, cutlery, rope, oars, Ac. All who are fond of extraordinary bar gains (and what lady is not f) will now have an opportunity of purchasing tho cheapest lot of silks ever seen in Wellington or Now Zealand on and after to-morrow, at Te Aro Howe We havo made a special purchase of some thousands of yards of rich pompadour silks, in a variety of colourings and patterns, very handsome fabrics, usually sold at from 5s 6d to 6s Cd por yard. These we shall offer at halfa-crown por yard on and aftor tomorrow, at Te Aro House. For balls, evening partios, and entertainments wo aro also showing about 100G yards of boautifully embossed satins in oream, ivory, pale blue, and about twenty othei choice shades, at 1b Cd por yard. The real selling price of those would bo not less than 3s Cd per yard, and as wo anticipate a large demand, we would advise, to secure a choice, an early visit to Te Aro Houie. We are also showing about 1500 yardi coloured brochi silks, superior quality, ox> collont styles and colourings, that were nevei sold under 4s 6d per yard, and we an absolutely giving these away at Is lid pei yard, atle Aro House. — Advt. In Bronchitis and Asthma " Baxter* Lung Preserver " affords immediate re lief.— Advt.