A decision on the question of insurance claims is just as pressing og one on the moratorium, but, if possible, the problem is more difficult to overcome. While it is generally admitted that legally those who did not cover their risks against earthquake and its attenuant ills have no claim for repayment of their losses, the feeling is growing that the insurance companies: have a moral obligation to offer come form of compensation, and the demand is becoming louder that the Government should take a hand in assisting the insured cut of their difficulties. It would appear that the Government is willing to listen-to this demand, In his statement to the nation of September 16 the Premier particularly appealed to the insurance companies to display a spirit of self-sacrifice so as not to betray the confidence of thousands.
It is well known that the in surance companies; even if willing to pay all claims, are quite unable to do so, and it is anticipated that, whatever amount of assistance the Government were willing to give, it would be quite impossible for the companies to do more than offer a very limited proportion of the claim by way of compensation.
Meantime inquiries are being addressed to the Government on the part of the insurance companies.
Osaka, Sept. 28.
While the Extraordinary Ordinance with regard to the rediscounting of bills by the Bank of Japan has not yet been published, the "Asahi" Jearns that the Government's guarantee to the Bank after the moratorium period will extend to 100,000,000 yen, and that, the bills which may be discounted include those payable within the devastated areas or drawn on business men whose premises were\ situated in those areas, those discounted by bankers not later than September 1, and those drawn on renewal bills discounted not later than September 1.
It is expected that the Ordinance will remain in, force till March 31, 1924.—Reuter.
THE RECONSTRUCTION BOARD, Tokio, Sept. 28.
The Capital. Reconstruction Board regulations regarding the duties of the personnel have been officially promulgated. They provide for the control and administration of all affairs affecting rebuilding,—town-planning, land- adjusting and supplying of necessaries in regard to: Tokio, Yokohama and elsewhere in the devastated area.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.