NORWICH UNION FIRE INSURANCE SOCIETY.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1980, 12 May 1875, Page 2

NORWICH UNION FIRE INSURANCE SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of this prosperous society was held at the office, Surrey street, t on Tuesday, 12th inst., at 12 b relock. In the absence of the president, Mr George Durrant, from indisposition, Mr H. S. Patteson, occupied the chair, and a very large number of the proprietors- were present. The chairman' said that before ordinary business commenced he wished to express the deep sorrow of himself and his brother directors at the death of their venerabkt^knd revered secretary, Sir Samuel. Bigriold, whose judgment, singleness of purpose, and devotion to the interests of the office, had conducted their affairs to their present condition of prosperity and eminence. Mr Patteson said that ho fell the death of Sir Samuel had created a void in every position of life that he filled which would be hard indeed to supply. The Eev. Jolurßailey rose, at the wish ofliis'brother shareholders, tomove.andMrll. A.Gorrell (after briefly expressing his entire concurrence in the remarks of Mr Bailey) seconded the following resolution, which was adopted unanimously :—" The proprietors of the [Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society desire to record the irreparable loss the society has sustained in the death of their venerated secretary, Sir Samuel Bignold, to whose judgment, sagacity, and faithfulness in the discharge of his duty, and singleness of purpose to advance the interests of the office, its present high position and great prosperity are mainly attributable." "The proprietors also desire to recognize the advantage to the society of the social position and eminence to which Sir Samuel Bignold and beg to tender to his family their heartfelt condolence, and trust that the

knowledge that Sir Saumel was loved and respected when living and regretted by all when he died, together with their hope that he is in tho home of 'just m«n made perfect.' will be their ?olace in their bereavement." Mr Charles Bighold thanked the proprietors in the name of the family of Sir Samuel Bignold, and said he knew how highly they would appreciate tfie resolution. Mr Bjgnoid then read the report of the directors, congratulating the proprietors on the soundness of the society and the generally . satisfactory condition of its business on the expiration of the fifty-thirl year. Although the losses had been, heavier than in tho past year,- the increase in the premium income of the officehadbeen. greater th an. in any * previous year. After affording much information on the general state of the business and the views of the board on various subjects of interest, the report concluded by announcing that the directors had decided to declare a dividend of. £20 per share, at the same time leaving in. hand a considerably-larger sum than last' year. ' The chairmaßN— moved the adoption of the report, and ' Mr B. A. Gorrell seconded i<, stating tbat after a very'careful inspection of the accounts he was entirely satisfied with them. The report was unanimously adopted. After some remarks^by Mr T. Wells and different shareholders, Mr I. B. Coaks, expressing his satisfaction at the report and the ability with which it had been drawn up, moved the thanks of the proproprietors io the board of directors, and also their best thanks to the assistant secretary for!his) conduct of IKe business, and to the agents^survejorsi and staff of the society for their'exertions on its behalf. This; was seconded by Mr James Everett, and having^een adopted, the meeting separated. — Norfolk jQhronicle and Norwich Gazette, 16th' January, 1875. - " '" * tV