STATE FIRE INSURANCE AND THE FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 10

STATE FIRE INSURANCE AND THE FARMERS' UNION.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 19. At a meeting of the executive of the North Canterbury Farmers' Union tho manager of the State Fire Insurance Department wrote stating that arrangements had been made for the State Office to take excess lines from the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Association. A letter was also received from the Otago Farmers Muttial Insurance Association on the matter, and Mr Pram, of that association, attended and stated that politics did not enter into the question. They had the offer of good business to deal with the Sltate Office, and ought to take every advantage of it. It was very magnanimous on the part of the State Department, for it was realised it was merely a question cf time before the Mutual Association would find its feet. Mr Wilkinson, manager of the local branch of the State Fire Insurance Department, was also present, and stated that the Government had oome to the rescue of the Faimers' Union Mutual Association by taking its excess rates. Mr Leadley, a member of the Union Executive, said the State Office was going t-n become a very popular institution. It had the elements of success, but he was afraid that after a while it would make tho rates too low for profit. He feared it would do the same as it did in regard to accident insurance, and join the associated companies and put the rates up again. Another member thought th& time inopportune to start a Farmers' Mutual Association in Canterbury if the associated companies intended to continue reducing rates. It was decided to take the matter into consideration at a future meeting.