LECTURE ON LIFE ASSURANCE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1069, 23 May 1878, Page 2

LECTURE ON LIFE ASSURANCE.

Mr K. Campbell, Travelling agent and lecturer for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, delivered a very interesting lecture at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, to a most appreciative audience. His Worship the Mayor presided, and, in introducing Mr Campbell, bespoke the attention and sympathy of the audience on the occasion. The subject beingone in which old and young were interested he need not say much, or detain them by any remarks, but allow the lecturer to speak for himself. Mr Campbell gave a rapid sketch of Insurance in its infancy and gradual progress, till Marine and Fire Insurance paved the way for the more necessary and beneficent Institution of Life Assurance. lie appealed to all classes of the community—young and old, rich and poor, married and single, clearly showing that no man within a certain age could say that he had no need of it, either in regard to himself or to others. Life assuiance was different from a mere money speculation—it required health as the first requisite. If the time of health was allowed to pass away, the time for availng ourselves of this incomparable provision was past for ever. The lecturer adduced many instances from his own observation and experience of the fatal and irremediable consequences of procrastination. On the other hand he recorded examples that showed the wisdom and aforesight of affecting a policy of Assurance in the season of health. Among others he instanced a man who had effected a policy on his life in Wellington, in Febrairy list. Tlio assured just paid one half-yearly premium, lie caught cold, and died in a few days of inflammation of the lungs. Illustrated diagrams were also exhibited, showing Longevity tables, the wonderful accumulation of money at compound interest. The various methods of disposing of the profits to Assurers id the Australian Mutual Provident Society and tin- allotment of money in the Society for a lleserve Fund, Expenses and Lives that fall. The lecturer also gave a brief summary of the position of the Institution, which showed that during the 1. months ending .ilst December 1877, 7474 proposals had been received, of the 232 i were declined, and 5150 accepted and completed, assuring £1,880,070. The new premium income amounted to .i'7S,2o:> 17s sd. Moreover, the Society had an annuil income of over £550,000 and an investment fund of over £2,300,000.. The policies in force exceeded 31,000, assuring no less a sum than £12,000,0;>0 sterling. During the past year the interest on investments alone more than covered all claims. Mr Campbell, in conclusion, strongly urged upon all to assure, and convert the uncertain future into a certain present; and thanked the audience for their patience and attention to such a dry, though interesting subject. (On sitting down the lecturer was warmly applauded.) l)r. Douglas, in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to .Mr Campbell, cited telling examples that they might all remember in their midst of men neglecting assurance, and afterwards leaving their families as a burden upon the community. He fully endorsed the lecturer's appeal to all classes. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close.