Protest Excessive State Insurance Premiums

Northern Advocate, 20 May 1949, Page 3

Protest Excessive State Insurance Premiums

KAITAIA, Fri. (Sp.).—lncreases of 100 per cent in the rate charged against the Mangonui Hospital Board by the State Fire and Accident Insurance Office for employers’ liability insurance provoked a strong outburst from Mr D. Kitchen at f yesterday’s board meeting. “A show-down is coming for somebody if this crowd gets back into office next November,” he declared, stating that he had seen too much of employers’ accident liability insurance as a member of the North Auckland Land Board. Mr Kitchen spoke scathingly of "little Hitlers” in state departments. - “Is Mr Kitchen talking revolution?” asked Mr E. F. Bradley. “A revolution is badly needed in this country,” Mr Kitchen replied. Mr Bradley said that the board was fully justified in questioning the insurance figures. Strong protest on similar grounds had been expressed by local bodies and business houses in the Whangarei area, said the chairman (Mr J. W. Hoskin). The Hospital Boai'ds’ Association was also taking action. k Public apathy could not be blamed for the present attitude of the state office, said Mr T. H. Wilton. Legislation had been rushed through in this respect and the public had not been given the opportunity to express an opinion. The board decided to enter a formal protest against the rates charged, which were considered excessive.