THE NATIONAL FARMERS' UNION 



pocket was saved quite a considerable amount. 

 Recently my carter had the misfortune to let a team 

 of horses run away with a waggon-load of hay. It 

 was not his fault or neglect in any way. What 

 actually happened was that the waggon-shaft key 

 came out and the shaft fell on the poor horses' heels, 

 and away they bolted and ran into a motor-car, 

 turning it over into a ditch. Well, within a few 

 days the post brought a letter enquiring the name of 

 my Insurance Company ; if I was not covered by a 

 policy, a request to pay a bill of something like £30. 

 Knowing quite well that I was not insured against 

 anything of the kind I proceeded to write and inform 

 the owner of the car. However, before posting the 

 letter I began to think hard to find a way out of 

 paying such a heavy bill, when I suddenly thought 

 my Insurance Company would at least be the right 

 body to make a settlement. Consequently I tore 

 up the letter and started afresh, acknowledged the 

 letter and simply handed them the address of the 

 N.F.U. Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co., and at the 

 same time writing the company and politely asking 

 them to settle the matter on the best terms possible. 

 This indeed was a lucky move, for it was eventually 

 proved that in law a runaway horse is entitled to his 

 first run in the same way a dog is entitled to his 

 first bite, that is provided no evidence is forthcoming 

 of negligence on the behalf of the owner or care- 

 taker of the animal. Here you see how necessary 

 it is to put your interest into the hands of people 

 who are wiser than yourself. 



We in Wiltshire post to our members, monthly, 



129 



