The Government Insuranoe Department.

Otago Witness, Issue 1555, 27 August 1881, Page 22

The Government Insuranoe Department.

Wellington, August 20th. A meeting of policy-holders in the New Zealand Life Insurance Department was held last night, when the following resolutions were pro-; posed : — " That in the opinion of this meeting it ifl desirable and just that policy-holders should have some voice in the conduct and management of the Government Insurance and Annuities Department, and that with this view the Government be requested to introduce a measure to provide for the constitution of a board of management, to be in part elected by policy-holders. '*— " That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that a Parliamentary Commission should be appointed to inquire into the present state and management of the Government Insurance and Annuities Department."

Mr M'Donogh, lately an officer in the Department, was the principal speaker. He strongly attacked those who spoke aginst the resolutions, and the officers of the department

The first resolution lapsed, and the second was negatived. An amendment to the first resolution to the following effect waaalso nega tived : — " That this meeting is perfectly satisfied with the manner in which the Government have managed the affairs of the policy-holders, and that the meeting is quite content to leave the management in the hands of the State."

(FfiOM OUB OWN OOKBESPONDBNT.)

Wellington, August 20th. The meeting held last evening relative to the Government Insurance Department proved a ridiculous fiasco, the tables being completely turned on the promoter. The Post to-night, commenting on it, says : — " Last night's meeting was so palpably got up for Mr M'Doaogh to vent his spite and spleen against the department in which he was formerly employed that the persons present saw through him and his little plan in stantly, and were prompt to resent having been 'made fools of,' as one speaker put it. Mr M'Donogb, apparently, did not think it necessary to explain why his connection with the department ceased, but he scattered broadcast all sorts of vague charges against his late superior officers, although he brought no evidence in support of his reckless accusations. He soon succeeded in thoroughly disgusting his audience, who hissed him very heartily. The meeting refused to pass any of his resolutions, and left him ignominicmsly foiled. Mr M'Donogh has been 'hoist with bis own petard,' and will only have himself to thank should any disagreeable question be asked in Parliament."