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Great Lakes Protective Association What the Association Has Accomplished Under the Progressive Leadership of J. S. Ashley tective Association was held in Detroit on Jan. 23, and was presided over by. J. S. Ash- ley, chairman of the advisory committee and the ' virtual founder of the association. The advisory committee in its report stated that up to Nov. l there was every indication that the year would prove even more profitable to the underwriters than 1912. Carefully compiled estimates indicated a probable profit to the association of approximately 50 per cent in spite of the fact that the initial con- tribution had been reduced nearly 34 of 1 per cent below that of 1912. Nov. 9, however, was destined to be a memor- able date in the history of lake naviga- tion. A storm of unprecedented viol- ence struck the whole lake region, but centered its fury in the foot of Lake Huron, causing eight staunch "and modern ships to founder in that locality. Altogether, 18 vessels foundered, 235 lives were snuffed out and scores of vessels were dam- aged. Six of the 18 vessels totally lost and eight of the 20 damaged ships were enrolled in the associa- tion. The initial contribution was not sufficient to pay the losses and a special assessment of 50 per cent of the original contribution was necessary. .It was promptly paid. "Your. committee," says the report, "is getting reports from the masters and other licensed officers of all ships which were out in the storm with the hope that some- thing of value may be ascer- tained in order that all neces- sary precautions may be taken to avoid a recurrence. Enough has already been learned to convince your commit- tee that very unusual conditions obtained in the lake region during Sunday and Sunday night, Nov. 9, especially on Lake Huron, where by far the largest number of catas- trophes occurred. Conditions such as never existed be- fore, so far as your committee can learn, and such as may never occur again, at least for many years, were experi- enced on that memorable date." The year 1913 was the first in which the association carried 25 per cent of the insurance of its members. Dur- ing the preceding four years of its existence it had carried only 5 per cent. It was the expectation that 50 per cent would be carried during 1914, but the heavy losses of 1913 dictated a more prudent course for the present. However, if the year 1914 should prove to be profitable, the association will undoubtedly catry 50 per cent during 1915. The fact is, that if the association had carried 25 per cent since it was formed, it would have, after paying all the losses of the November storm, a surplus of $1,030,- 000 in its treasury. This excellent showing would have been possible owing to the extremely profitable years of 1911 CT ex annual meeting of the Great Lakes Pro- jee 8, ASHEEY: Chairman Advisory Committee and 1912, when the accidents on the lakes were practically a negligible quantity. It is expected that the underwriters will make some change in the 1914 policy, but the question of rates will not be taken up for a month or more yet. The premium was reduced from 534 per cent to 434 per cent for the year and 4% per cent for the season of 1913. In addition, a preferred class of ton- nage enjoyed a rate of 4 per cent for the wear and 334. per cent for. the 'season A. W. Thompson, George M. Steinbrenner and Ralph D. Mitchell, of Cleveland; L, C. Waldo, of Detroit, and W. M. Mills, of Tonawanda, were appointed a nomi- nating committee. Mr. Thompson, chair- man of the committee, reported that owing to the highly satisfactory man- ner in which the business of the asso- ciation had been conducted it was deemed advisable to make no change in the advisory committee and the old members were re-elected as fol- lows: J. S: Ashley, J. H. Sheadle, Capt W. Co Richardson. Capt © A. Williams, W. H. Becker, of Cleveland; C. D. Dyer, of Pitts- burgh; John J. Boland, of But- falo;. Wm. Livingstone, of De- troit, and Capt. D:. Sullivan, of Chicago. J. S, Ashley was re- elected chairman; Capt. W. C. Richardson, treasurer; Harvey D. Goulder, counsel, and Geo. A. Marr, secretary and attor- ney-in-fact. Mr. Ashley in his report. said: .. "Foo much can not be said in praise of the loyal co-operation of your masters and other, licensed officers in. the work of your association. Each year has shown a marked im- provement in this respect. Our records, however, show several accidents occurred during the year that could have been prevented, and we, therefore, take this oppor- tunity to again impress upon our navigating officers the absolute necessity of at all times strictly obeying all the government rules for. navigation and of never under any circumstances taking any chances. 'Safety first. Be sure you are right, then go ahead', should always be in the minds of our navigators. "Reports also indicate that quite a large number of masters are not using the separate courses on Lakes Hu- ron and Superior which have been recommended by your committee and also by the Lake Carriers' Association. We believe these separate courses would greatly tend to prevent collisions and strongly recommend to all masters that they be used." During the season of 1913 the association insured 211 vessels of a valuation aggregating $48,139,633. Of this the association assumed 25 per cent, or $12,034,883. "In spite of the fact,' said Mr. Ashley, "that the as- sociation carried a greater portion of insurance in 1913 L. Hutchinson, Harry Coulby, R. Oe a sks | Pel ee eee De Saree ee ee