LECTURE.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume I, Issue 21, 4 April 1890, Page 2

LECTURE.

, /I Last evenjng in the Havelock To-tyn Hall Mr Clapeott, chief canvassing agent for the Government Life Insurance in the Marlborough and Nelson districts, gave a lecture, or rather what he styles '? a comical talk " on a "serious subject," Mr J. H. Reynolds acting as Chairman. On opening the matter Mr Olapcott stated that though his preliminary remarks would of necessity, from the importance of the subject, bear rather a serious, or busi-ness-like aspect, yet these being' over he would not forget before the close of the evening his promise of giving a "comical talk." U starting" Mr Clapeott stated he would endeavour to show, first, what life insurance is, and which points are peculiar to the Government scheme; secondly, that life insurance is not only desirable, but often necessary; thirdly, that it is practicable, or in other words, within

the reach of all. The first error that needed correction was the idea that life insurance is a short cut to become wealthy, whereas it simply is a means provided by which any one of either sex can make provision for old age or protection for those who at any time through the death of the bread-winner may be left destitute. Mr Clapcott then stated that it was not his intention whilst upholding the Government Insurance to detract from or speak ill of private companies, as all .policies l , issued by the Government are guaranteed by the State under act of Parliament absolute and positive security is thus afforded for the payment of the policies on maturity. Attention was also called -to the fact that whilst the Government Insurance Department is compelled by law to transact its business in New Zealand only the healthiest country in the world—and to invest its money in New Zealand. Other companies do the greater part of their insurance in countries where the rate of mortality is far higher than with us. They are also at liberty, at the choice of their directors, to invest the cash they take from New Zealand policy-holders in any part of the world. The lecturer then demonstrated that life insurance was desirable, as being the only way by which a man of limited means could possibly provide with certainty a sufficient sum to support his family in the event of the death of the bread-winner, and the practicability of doing this was shown by reference to the rates charged. Mr Clapcott reminded his hearers that whilst any person, male or female, can insure, and for any amount from one hundred up to four thousand pounds, the rates were so low as to be" within the reach of all; thus a person of the age of thirty can secure a policy payable at his death by an annual payment of £2 4s 3d, equal to about three half-pence a day for every hundred pounds. And that instead of taking a policy payable at death only, a person can insure so as to receive the amount with profits added on his reaching any given age, or payable to his representatives should death occur prior to that age. Mr < lapcott stated that Government policies were practically freed from all restrictions as to travelling or residence, and that the rules regarding forfeiture through non payment of premiums were as liberal as possible, the great desire of the Government being not only to get persons to insure, but also by all legitimate means to keep them insured. He then illustrated the foolish and untenable objections often raised against insurance by describing some of the '< queer folks " he meets. As each character was introduced the absurdity of the objections was appreciated by the audience, as evidenced by the laughter which greeted each description. The lecturer, with his good-natured sarcasm hit out right and left, and few escaped a nasty knock, though perhaps only known to themselves. The first part of the lecture or talk was confined to business, but the latter part, whilst instructive, was most amusing and entertaining, and the " advice gratis " to all sorts and conditions of men was well calculated to make many think seriously of a subject too often treated with indifference. Few will forget Mr Clapcott's toast when they spend their next sixpence, and long may Mr Clapcott's words be remembered and acted upon.