The Sun.
London, England, 1861-02-07 00:00:00

rii_E SUN, LONDONi THURSDAY Ev ENING, FEBRUARY 7, 1861.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

ASSURANCE ASSOCIATION.

Both Houses met to-day, at 2 o'clock, for the purpose of
presenting the Addresses to her Majesty, at Buckingham
Palace, agreed to at the opening of Parliament.
No business was transacted, the meeting being purely
formal.

iAW INTELLIGENCE—(This Day.)

COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.
(Before the Lord Chief Baron and a Spe3ial Jury.)
coNDEN V. LORD RAYNHAM.

This was an action brought by the plaintiff against the
defendant for false imprisonment.

The plaintiff, a widow in humble circumstances, was in
the Strand on Saturday, the 3d of September last,
with two children. A policeman passed her, and in a
short time the defendant came up and gave her into
custody for begging. She denied that such was the case,
but the children were sent to the workhouse, and
she was locked up until Monday morning. She
was taken to Bow-street police- court, and after being
kept under remand for two hours she was discharged.
Plaintiff said she was a poor but honest woman,
and it was for compensation for the hardship she had
undergone, of being locked up for two nights from her
home and children, that the present action was brought.
Mr. Bovill was proceeding with the caso on the part of
the defendant when we went to press.

PROVIDENT CLERKS' MUTUAL LIFE

The twentieth annual genero meeting of this
society took place last evening at the London
Tavern, and was numerously attended. Richard
Henry Jones, Esq., chairman of the board of direc-
tors, presided.
Mr. W.T. LINFORD, secretary, read the advertise-
ment convening the meeting, and at the request of
the Chairman, read the directors' annual report, as
folic ws

pleasure in moving the resolution, because he en-
tertained the very highest opinion of the institution.
He believed he was the largest insurer in
it himself, and he had been the mecns of intro-
ducing many others to participate in its bene-
fits, and that arose from the fact that after
close observation he saw there was a great deal of
stability about the society. (Cheers.) His own
connection with it had only been for the last two
years, but in that time he had observed the untiring
industry of the directors—(cheers)—that the funds
of the institution were safely and securely invested,
and that, in fact, it was one of the most solid, nd
secure in London. He had the happiness of con-
veying a largo number of policies to it, and he
should continue to do so, as far as his connection
with anotker society would permit. (Cheers.) He
was highly pleased with the amount of the new
business, with the services of the directors, and
with the unceasing industry and activity of their
able secretary. He was glad to find that, while
the directors or the secretary were wisely spread-
ing the prosperity of the association abroad by
their energetic advocacy, those who remained et
home took care to secure and make safe that which
was obtained. He had the pleasure of knowing
the secretary, and he considered the mem-
bers were deeply indebted to that gentle-
man for his exertions, as well as to the
board. He felt certain they all exerted
themselves to the utmost for the benefit of the
society, and, under these circumstances, he had
great pleasure in moving the resolution placed in
his hands, and which he trusted would be carried
with acclamation. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. PIKE said he had especial satisfaction in
seconding the resolution, because this year the
board had made a change which he had advocated
for many years, namely, that no charge should be
made to the Benevolent Fund beyond the annual
trifling expense of its actual management. He
had urged that measure for years, as it was thought
in season and out of season, and he was glad to
find his views at last adopted. (Cheers.) He, there-
fere,/cordially seconded the resolution.
Mr. HOBSON, as the mover of the resolution,
thought he had the best right of performing the
pleasing duty of putting it to the meeting—
(cheers)—and he did so in the heartiest manner.
The resolution was agreed to most enthusias-
tically.
The CHAIRMAN said he sincerely thanked the
meeting for their kind appreciation of their ser-
vices, and also for the gratifying unanimity that
had prevailed during the evening. The business to
be transacted was the election of directors. The
retiring directors were Mr. William Jeremiah
Jordan, Mr. Richard Price, and Mr. William
Stanhope Sawtell ; as each of these gentlemen were
eligible for re-election, they offered themselves
accordingly.
No other gentlemen being proposed, the retiring
directors were unanimously re-elected.

In presenting their twentieth annual report the Board of
Directors have to congratulate the members on the in-
creased prosperity of the association.
The report for the year 1859 showed a considerable in-
crease of business beyond that of any previous year • while
the new business for the year 1860 exceeds by more than
£50,000 that effected in 1859. Tho proposals accepted and
completed during the year were-1,030 for £185,868' •
13 for £3,050 were declined ; and 132 for £26,600 were
deferred or withdrawn, or are now waiting completion' •
total, £215,518. The premiums arising from the above
amount to £5,500 per annum. The total annual income is
£41,221 Os. 11d. After providing for all claims and ex-
penses, the balance added to the assets of the association is
£21,921 Bd.
The invested fund is thereby increased to £146,000
lls. 10d. Sixty-four policies, assuring with bonuses the sum
of £10,735 14s. Bd., have become claims, being £1,342 less
than those of last year. The total sum thus paid since
the commencement of the association is £84,150 Os. n.
The policies in force on the 31st December, 11i60, were
6,439, for £1,190,569.
The association having now completed its 20th year, the
board are enabled to lay before the members a brief resume
of its progress during the four quinquennial periods of its
existence:—
Five Years Ending Policies Assigned. Amount.
Dec. 31, 1845
1860
1855
1860
Year Ending Annual Income. Invested Fund.
Dec. 31, 1845:.. £2,635 5 10 £6,226 5 8
1850 .. 14,174 0 4 29,158 18 3
1855 .. 22,922 16 9 70,123 8 8
1860 .. 41,221 011 .. 146,000 11 10
The above figures exhibit in their constant and steady
progress evidence of the soundness and stability of this as-
sociation. During the past year the directors' renewed
their exertions towards extending the influence of the asso-
ciation in various quarters, and they are happy to report
that their efforts have been attended with success. If those
efforts are seconded by the personal support of the members
themselves the board have little doubt that the progress
of the past year will be equalled and even surpassed.
In accordance with custom, the balance-sheet has been
submitted to the trustees, who have expressed themselves
much gratified at the favourable results obained.
The Board have reason to believe that the system of free
or paid-up policies, introduced by them in 1859, is very
favourably looked on, not only by the members, but by in-
tending insurers and the public generally, by whom the
evident justice of the system is readily appreciated.
The directors retiring by rotation are Mr. Wm. Jeremiah
Jordor, Mr. Richard Price, and Mr. Wm. Stanhope Sawtell,
all of whom being eligible offer themselves for re-election.
The retiring auditors Mr. James R. Lloyd, Mr. T. T.
Toole, and Mr. Charles Woolley, have been proposed for re-
election. In addition to them, the following two gentlemen
have been proposed :—Mr. Windover E. Fry, and Mr. W.
T. Harrod. Three of the above will therefore have to be
elected by the members.
(Signed) RD. Hy. JONES.
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the reception of the
report, said he felt grateful and happy in having
to meet the assurers for the twentieth time. (Cheers.)
He saw around him faces that he had been familiar
with ever since the commencement of the society,
and that greatly heightened the pleasure of occupy-
ing the chair on that occasion. He felt it would be
unnecessary for him to occupy their time with any
lengthened remarks, because the report they had just
heard read stated that the progress of the society had
been highly satisfactory. He could not help refer-
ring, at the outset, to that passage in it that referred
to the valuable exertions of members, and if
each of the present assurers only carried out the
recommendation by introducing one new member,
they would do an amount of good that would be
mutually beneficial to all. As he liked to anticipate
as many questions as possible, he would at that
moment briefly refer to the small increase that had
taken place in their expenses over those of last year ;
it arose entirely from the accession of new business,
and from the reduction of £5O from the sum usually
charged to the benevolent fund. (Hear.) That fund
for the future would be kept separate ; and for the
future no charge would appear on the accounts of
the Life Assurance Association relating to the
Benevolent Fund. The clerks salary and the
actual expenses of the Fund would be charged to
the Fund direct. (Hear, hear.) In adopting
that course the directors would meet the views of
those who had always argued such a course, and he
trusted the determination would meet with unani-
mous approval. A gentleman had called at the
office a few days ago, and after examining the
balance-sheet, objected to the amount charged for
deputations to the provinces ; but when it was
considered what had been done, he did not think
the meeting would consider that the expenditure
was at all excessive. The directors had sent depu-
tations to 47 places, at which they had held no
less than 55 meetings—(hear, hear)—all of which
had been attended with good results to the society.
He was aware there was a gentleman in the society
who, in order to reduce that expenditure, was of opi-
nion that as the society had reached its present safe
and proud position, it would be quite enough now
to merely occupy a small room and allow the society
to work out its own further development. (Laugh-
ter.) He was not of that opinion. (Hear, hear.)
His object was to increase their operations, and go
on doing so as long as' he was permitted to live,
and he was glad to think that such a proceeding as
he had just referred to was only the opinion of one
of their body. (Hear, hear.) Since the com-
mencement of the Provident Clerks' Life Assurance
Fund no less than 269 offices had sprung into
existence, but out of that large number only 54
remained in operation, and that circumstance, when
they came tolook calmly at it, was an extraordinary
fact ; and it was a great satisfaction to know that
this society was one that had withstood everything
of an alluring or visionary description. The direc-
tors had resisted all temptations to trifle with its
members—(hear, hear)—everything had been
honestly and faithfully placed before the members
in the balance-sheets annually submitted to
them, and he looked upon that as the cir-
cumstance that had placed them in their
present proud position. The directors had not,
like many other societies, attempted to outdo all
others, and, as might be expected •by such a pro-
ceeding, injure themselves; but they had adopted
an honest, upright, and straightforward course,
and the result was their present prosperity. He
was not aware that there was any necessity for his
further occupying their time, but if any gentleman
wished for any information he would most readily
give it. He should, therefore, conclude by moving
that the report and balance sheet now read be re-
ceived and adopted, and that the same be printed
and circulated at the discretion of the board.
Mr. KINTREA hoped the chairman would inform
him whether the directors had given any attention
to sub-letting some of the large premises they now
held ?
The CHAIRMAN hoped he had heard the last of
the house question at their last meeting. (Hear,
hear.) The part of premises not required for office
business was occupied by the secretary.
Mr. REYNOLDS asked a question with respect to
the amount in the hands of agents.
The SECRETARY said the amount on the balance-
sheet as due by agents was rather larger than usual,
but it was due from the railways and the Post-
office, the accounts for which were made up to the
31st of December, so that the money could not be
paid for a day or two after the close of the year as
they had to be examined. The greater portion of
it had since been received.
The adoption of the report was put and carried
amidst loud cheers.
Mr. TERSE HOBSON said, after the highly satis-
factory report and balance sheet that had been
submitted to the meeting, he felt great pleasure in
moving that the thanks of the meeting be presented
to the directors for their efficient manage-
ment of the association, and that the
sum of £BOO be awarded them for their ser-
vices during the past year. (Loud cheers.)
When he entered the room it had been suggested
to him by several old and influential mem-
bers, as it had become known that the resolutionthe
thankinc, the directors for their services during
year had been placed in his hands, that theamouonnt
should be increased from 800 to 1,000 pounds,
account of the great increase of pro.spnesritbyutthtaot had
attended their past year's operatiffio
honour of their Chairman and e crentoard of
directors, when the proposlition was. made. mention
respectful yr but positively declined
of to them. they
the compliment, and stated they would much rather
the remuneration remained the same as last year.
(Cheers.) As he had before observed, he had great

Mr. PRICE returned thanks. He felt confident
that the same integrity, energy, and fidelity that
had hitherto been the distinguishing marks of the
directory would be continued by all. But one
feeling animated the board, and that was to increase
the prosperity of their noble institution.
The CHAIRMAN said the meeting was now
entering upon the election of three auditors. There
were five candidates, out of which they would
have to select three gentlemen. Mr. Lloyd, Mr.
Toole, and Mr. Woolley offered themselves for
reelection, and Mr. Fry and Mr. Harrod were the
new candidates. All five gentlemen had been pro-
posed in due form, and he should be happy to hear
the remarks of any gentleman who felt disposed to
address the meeting.
Mr. HOWARD said the opposition to the re-
election of the old auditors was a . very striking
circumstance, and it ought to be shown whether
there was any cause why they should not be re-
elected. (Hear, hear.) He should like to know
whether there was any fault against the old audi-
tors ; if not, and they had done their duty faith-
fully and efficiently, he was at a loss to discern
what good was to by effected by a change. For
some years they had done their duty well and
honestly, and he must say he thought the present
opposition to their re-election looked like a want of
confidence in them. (No, no.) He hoped the
meeting„ would re-elect the gentlemen who had so
well served them.
Mr. LEGG begged to move the re-election of
the retiring auditors, Messrs. Lloyd, Toole, and
Woolley. He was surprised that any of their body
could have been so inconsiderate to come forward
and oppose their re-election. He hoped an expla-
nation would be given for the introduction of such
a disturbing element into the harmony of their
proceedings. He had heard something about the
introduction of fresh blood, but he was of opinion
that the wisest and best thing to do was to intro-
duce fresh members. (Cheers and laughter.) The
institution was flourishing, then why by contention
try to do harm and injury to it.
Mr. WALTON said, no reflection was intended on
the gentlemen who had performed the duties of
auditors. They had done their duty well, but it
was thought advisable that one if not more of the
auditors ought to retire annually, and with
that idea two new candidates had come forward
for the office. They all met there as mutual
friends, and every one that was duly qua.
lified had as good a right to stand for election as a
director or auditor as another.
Mr. WARWICK deprecated any change. As long
as the three gentlemen who had hitherto fulfilled
the duties of auditors efficiently and well retained
their confidence they ought to be re-elected.
Mr. KINTREA said the three gentlemen had en-
joyed for seven years the post and profit—[this
observation was so much disapproved of by the
meeting, that with difficulty the speaker was al-
lowed to continue his remarks—the whole pay-
ment to the three auditors being only £3o]. He
was understood to say that he thought the meeting
would do wrong in refusing the infusion of new
blood.
Mr. MINTON seconded the re-election of the
retiring auditors. They were known tried men,
and therefore they ought to be preferred to new
and untried ones. (Cheers.)
Mr. LLOYD, one of the retiring auditors, said he
had patiently listened to hear whether there was
the slightest breath of suspiCion against either him-
self or colleagues, aid he had heard none. Had
there been any fault against them they would have
retired instantly, but that not being the case he
trusted they would be re-elected. If it were thought
desirable to have a retiring auditor every year, the
most straightforward course to adopt was to make
an alteration in the rules to that effect. Mr. Lloyd
concluded a very able speech, by repudiating with
indignation the idea that the mere question of a
ten-pound note could weigh with him in wishing
to retain the honourable post he had held for ten
years. The speaker was loudly cheered.
Mr. FRY and Mr. HARROD, the new candidates,
having addressed the meeting,
The CHAIRMAN proceeded to put the respective
names of the gentlemen to the meeting. For Mr.
Lloyd, 180 hands were held up ; for Mr. Toole, 148 ;
for Mr. Woolley, 116 ; for Mr. Fry, 64 ; and for
Mr. Harrold, 21.
The first three gentlemen—the retiring auditors
—were declared duly elected.
Mr. LLOYD, on the part of himself and colleagues,
returned thanks.
Mr, LEGG said he had now a very pleasing duty
to perform, and one which he felt satisfied would
be agreed to most cordially. It was to thank the
chairman for his conduct in the chair that evening.
For 20 years he had filled the distinguished situa-
tion, and he sincerely prayed that he might long
be spared to pursue the work of good that he was
so earnestly and heartily engaged in. (Cheoers-)the
Nearly every person present wished f
evetually,
honour of seconding the motion,
without any single individual obtainadg
pleasure, the motion was carried am
obliged loudest coveted
cheers.
indness. It was his
The CHAIRMAN said he wkas
to the meeting flea deaf t•deeiart their meetings, as they
greatest pride to ps_ particulat!yee
disgraced themselves, and he
al feeling would prevail for
never,hoped liket samethe rn c hrtaeudi
the future.

PROVIDENT CL
FUNDERKS' BENEVOLENT

Immediately on the conclusion of the assurance 1
proceedings, the annual meeting of the members of i
the benevolent fund was held in the same room.
under the presidency of Mr. Jones.
Mr. John Abel Smith, the treasurer, having been
unexpectedly prevented from attending,
Mr. LINFORD, the secretary, read the annual
report as follows :
The board have much pleasure in presenting to the
members and friends of this fund. their twentieth annual
report. The income for the year 1860 has been as follows,
viz.:—Donations, £134 35. ; annual subscriptions, £539
148. ; life subscriptions, £2l; subscriptions of ss. and
017 95. Bd, Total, L 2,218 12s. Bd. The
upwards from assurers being clerks, £706 6s. ; interest,
dividends, &c.
amount presented in
members during gratuities to members and widows of
the year is L 124 13s. In pursuance of
the resolution of the annual general meeting of the Ist of
yegoary, 060, an election of awluitauts took place