UNCOMMON INSURANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21113, 22 February 1932, Page 8

UNCOMMON INSURANCE.

COVER AGAINST RAIN. FIRST TEST CRICKET MATCH. POLICY FOR THE DAY ONLY. PREMIUM ABOUT 10 PER CENT. The New Zealand Cricket Council has taken out an insurance policy against interference by rain with next Saturday's play in tho first Test match in Christchurch between New Zealand and South Africa, eavs a Press Association message from Christchurch The cover is for Saturday only. Inquiries made in Auckland indicate that this is the first time a cricket match has been insured in New Zealand. On rare occasions other sporting fixtures have been covered by insurance. Tho practice of insuring matches is fairly common in England and Australia. Cricketers who are given bpnefits take out a personal cover over the match and are thus assured of a good return if wet weather prevails. Tho same policy is adopted for important matches. The gate takings which could be expected on a fine day next Saturday in Christchurch would bo about £3.50 to £4OO. It is therefore likely that the New Zealand Council would take out a cover of at least £3OO. It is understood the premium for this amount would be about 10 per cent. On three or fojr occasions the Auckland Cricket Association has endeavoured to insure matches under its control, but has been unable to secure cover. The companies approached were not prepared to take the risk. An unsuccessful attempt was made to insure the English-Auckland match two seasons ago. To make the short tour of the South Africans certain the New Zealand Cricket Council had to give a guarantee and it is understood this amount was about £I2OO. Three matches are to he played, the first sgainst Auckland, commencing at Eden Park to-morrow. As far as the Auckland match is concerned the local association has guaranteed £203. Should this figure be not realised in gate receipts tho Auckland Association will make up the loss. In the event of a profit being shown the Auckland Association will share half this with the New Zealand Council, providing tho latter body a loss on the tour. The New Zealand Council is wholly •liable for any loss two teft matches. The first test will commence in Christchurch next Saturday and the second test in Wellington on March 4. Each match is limited to three days.