66 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [lL Jury, 1901, 
the position of chairman was not an enviable one. I concur with that, if we — 
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allow the proviso that the audience choose to make the position difficult. It is | 
quite true that I have found it rather difficult to decide when a debate should | 
be brought to a conclusion. The chairman exists for the convenience of the 
audience ; the audience is not made for the convenience of the chairman. But 
I will say that, given a discriminating audience (such as this audience is and — 
such as it ought to be, seeing it is a representative one), the position of the 
chairman can be made an enviable one. I can say distinctly that my lot, so far, _ 
has been a most enviable one, and I can only hope that all chairmen on future — 
occasions may be placed in as happy a position. 
DEPARTURE OF MR. McLEAN, 
Mr. Wu. Deacon (Allora): As Mr. McLean is leaving us, I think the 
least we can do is to pass him a vote of thanks for the work he has so far done 
for the promotion of the business of the Conference. 
Mr. Deacon’s suggestion was adopted amidst applause. 
FOURTH SESSION. 
WepvEspay, 121m June, 1901, 7°30 p.o. 
INSURANCE. 
The first business was the reading of the following letter from Mr. W. H.— 
Frank.1, of “ Ferriby,’ Bingera Station :— 
“Ferriby,” Bingera Station, 
To the Chairman and Delegates attending the 11th June, 1901. 
Agricultural Conference at Bundaberg. 
GENTLEMEN,—As, unfortunately, there is no society in my neighbourhood, the 
farmers have not the privilege of sending representatives to your Conference; but I _ 
venture, nevertheless, to ask you to consider a matter that seems to me to be of the 
greatest importance to all classes of agriculturists, and one that does not appear to 
have received attention commensurate with its bearing on the financial aspect of crop- 
growing. Irefer to “ Insurance.” Of course you are all fully aware that few, if any, of 
the registered insurance companies will grant policies on growing crops, and especially 
is this the case with sugar-cane, on account of the risk of fire. I see no reason, however, 
why farmers and planters should not co-operate and establish a company exclusively 
for the benefit, aa 
do not think there is any business in the world so extensive in its operation and so 
I may add, the profit of those engaged in agricultural pursuits. I 
profitable in results as that of insurance companies, and I feel certain that good results — 
would accrue on the formation of a company established for the express purpose of | 
insuring growing crops against loss by fire or flood, also produce in barn or stack or — 
in transit for sale, farm buildings and implements, &c., &c. Such a scheme, I believe, — 
would receive almost universal support. One argument I have heard advanced as a 
reason why it is inadvisable to insure growing crops is, that there is too much danger of 
fire among cane crops, and that, if they were insured, the amounts would be so lena 
that large inroads would be made on the capital of any company insuring them. 
would, however, point out that this difficulty might be met by placing a_ limit 
on the sum secured, as well as making the premium of a higher rate. To my 
mind, there is no more danger or risk in losses by crops than by maritime 
risks, and yet there are numbers of insurance companies established for the — 
insurance of shipping and cargo. I therefore respectfully submit that, in view of the 
benefits to be derived by insurance, it is desirable that a farmers and planters’ 
insurance company should be formed in Queensland, and I beg that you will be good — 
enough to give the matter your consideration at the Conference now being held. As 
a preliminary, it may be desirable to formulate a scheme to be submitted for 
consideration at the next meeting of delegates, and to this end I would suggest that a 
committee be appointed to collect data and draw upa report. I shall be happy to — 
assist in any way I can, and shall be glad to place my ideas in extended form at the 
disposal of the gentlemen appointed. ; 
Trusting your visit to Bundaberg may be both profitable and enjoyable, * 
I have, &e., 
W. H. FRANKLIN. 
The letter was referred to the Committee of Resolutions 
