Story: Insurance

Government Life insurance policy (1st of 2)

Formed in 1869 to offer low-cost life insurance to gold miners and other people with uncertain incomes, Government Life soon became the biggest life insurer in the country. This handsome policy from 1888 shows that Thomas Roe, a labourer from Maraekakaho in Hawke’s Bay, undertook to pay £3 13s. 4d. each year, with £200 payable to his family on his death.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAXF W3623 Box 15 NZ Govt Life Insurance Policy no. 59344

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How to cite this page:

Alan Henderson, 'Insurance - Early life insurance', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/24129/government-life-insurance-policy (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Alan Henderson, published 11 Mar 2010