STATE FIRE INSURANCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2203, 29 May 1908, Page 3

STATE FIRE INSURANCE.

RESIGNATION OF GENERAL MANAGER. AIERITORIOUS SERVICE. Press Association. WELLINGTON, Alay 28. At the end of the month, Air. J. W. Brindloy, general manager of tho State Eiro Insurance Department, will retire. Ho told an interviewer that tho strain of working up tho business against long odds to its present flourishing condition had begun to tell on his health, and his doctor had advised him to take a lengthened rest. Moreover, the imanager does not consider that tho remuneration for the arduous duties is sufficient. Air. Brindley was originally accountant in the Victorian Insurance Company at Alelbourno in 1874. Two years afterwards ho was a branch manager, and seven montlis later lie reached the position of general manager for Victoria at the age of twenty-three, the youngest- superintendent on the records. Ho held that position until 1898, when he retired -voluntarily. Ho then went into business in Sydney, but sold up and took up his present appointment in April, 1904. • - He submits that ho has built up a magnificent business” for tho State. Tho Government’s share of the fire insurance done in tho Dominion is closo up to ten per cent., one of the largest and soundest • businesses in New Zealand, “and it has been done with raw-edged tools and against keen opposition,” states -tlio retiring -manager. “For three years, notwithstanding the low rates, I have made the Department pay. This year—an exceptional year for fires—wo are an the position of being able to .show a margin of profit, a feat which tho private companies consider impossible. Providod there is no extraordinary bad luck towards the end of the year, we are making a profit, though we are selling for £2O what was original ly sold for £30.” ~ Air. Brindley was referring the reduction of 33 1-3 per cent in the premiums on dwelling-houses. Air J. H. Richardson, Commissioner of the Government Life Insurance Department, will also take over the management of the State Fire Office, in succession to Air. Brindley.