LOSSES BY FIRE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 59, 21 February 1931, Page 5

LOSSES BY FIRE

MINISTER INTERVIEWED. BY LOCAL POLICY-HOLDERS. SYMPATHETIC RECEPTION ACCORDED. Opportunity was taken in Napier this morning to place before the Hon. B. Masters the views of the fire insurance policy holders in Napier and Hastings. After according the deputation a sympathetic hearing the Minister, who stated that the Government was desirous of doing what it possibly coujd, promised to arrange for a deputation to meet the Prime Minister on tlie mutter.

Mr. J. Mason, who headed the deputation, said that the first question which they desired the Minister to consider was that if payment on losses arising out of fire. The deputation felt that insurance companies should in a measure moot the position by busing the loss upon the insurance amounts. Although it was recognised that there was no legal claim, the policy holders felt that there was a moral obligation upon the companies to make eome payment in regard to fire.

Mr. Mason suggested that the Government might consider the scheme which had been put forward by the “Financial News’’ or as an alternative that the insurance companies might be approached to advance the money to the Government the terms of repayment to be arranged. Mr. Mason also dealt with the damage duo solely to earthquake, pointing out that ho recognised that this was a matter which was entirely within the province of the Government.

It was requested that the Minister should arrange a deputation to the Prime Minister representative ot the Government, the New Zealand Underwriters’ Association, the Napier and Hastings policy holders and the Associated Chambers of Commerce.

The Minister in reply expressed appreciation of the lucid manner in which the matter had been presented. He was pleased to have made personal contact with the town as it enabled him to ascertain the aims and requirements of the policy holders direct. In his opinion the proposals put forward were wise and lie would be pleased to make the question of the deputation a matter of urgency on his return to Wellington. The action of the Government in making payment on the fire loss consequent on the earthquake was proof that the Government recognised that there was a moral obligation to in some way reimburse tho policy holders under their fire insurance contracts. Just what action tho Government would take in raising a loan would be considored when Parliament met. The Government was sincerely desirous of giving every assistance it could. The Minister in conclusion gave his assurance that tho views of the depution would bo presented as submitted to tho Prime Minister.