EXHIBITION INSURANCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8833, 21 January 1907, Page 3

EXHIBITION INSURANCE.

UNDERWRITERS' ALARM. INSURANCES TO BE LIFTED. This afternoon it was -rumoured in town that the Underwriters' Association had^determined to practically withdraw the whole of the insurances on the Exhibition buildings and stalls, in consequence of the failure of the Exhibition authorities to comply with the condition© under which a permit was granted by the Association. Inquiries made from Mr Frank W. Armstrong, inspector to the Association, tend to confirm the rumour. "The underwriters," he remarked, "are a very quiet, easy-going body of men, but they want the thing ■right." In reply to questions, Mr Armstrong said that when the electrical installation at the Exhibition was in course of completion, the underwriters made certain concessions^ to the Exhibition authorities, but framed conditions under which a permit was to bo granted. These conditions, or at least one important condition, had never been carried out. The underwriters stipulated that a man was to be employed by tho Exhibition authorities to superintend, the whole of the Exhibition from a fire prevention, point of view, but such a man had not been employed. The Brigade's work was to putfires out, tut the underwriters wanted a man to prevent fires.

"Is it true that trouble has cccurred^with the wires, and that there is a leak?" Mr Armstrong was asked. He admitted ■ that the safety resistance stipulated had not been maintained. Practically there was a leak, and it was a menace.

"Are the underwriters going to lift the insurances to-morrow if the conditions are* not fulfilled?"

"Well, so they say," Mr Armstrong r&plied. "If the conditions are not fulfilled, it is good enough for the permit to be withdrawn."

In connection with the fire, appliances at* the Exhibition, it is stated that the brigade was called upon on Friday, at a minute's notice, 'to give a demonstration of its capabilities. This, was done at the request of the representative of a large insurance office, and was re-gai-ded as fairly satisfactory, the work of the chemical engines being praiseworthy. But for the success of the trial, it is stated, the insurance office interested would have nullified policies amounting to £20,000.