McAllum, Duncan, Insurance Agent and Valuer, District Agent for the United Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and Secretary of the Taranaki Acclimatisation Society, Brougham Street, New Plymouth. Mr. McAllum was born at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, in 1852, and received his education in his native town. After leaving school he went to sea in vessels owned by his relatives. He made seven trips round the world, and was for some years in a tea clipper, trading to China and Japan. In 1879, he came to New Zealand, and, giving up a seafaring life, went to the West Coast goldfields; but shortly afterwards he removed to New Plymouth, and took up land in the Omata district. For three years he was wharfinger and deputy-harbourmaster, but established himself in his present business in 1888. Mr. McAllum takes a great interest in athletics, and is connected with the local football, cricket, and rowing clubs. He is also a member of the Taranaki Education Board. Mr. McAllum is married, and has six children.

Mr. D. McAllum.

The New Zealand Insurance Company has had a branch in Brougham Street, New Plymouth, since the year 1897, and the present building, which is of wood and iron, was erected in the year 1898. Part of the premises are let to Messrs Weston and Weston, solicitors.

New Zealand Insurance Company's Offices.

Mr. John Paton, Manager of the Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Insurance Company, was appointed on the 1st of May, 1900. He joined the company in 1887, in Auckland.

Mr. H. M. Didsbury, formerly Manager of the New Plymouth branch of the New Zealand Insurance Company, was, before he was appointed to New Plymouth, for twelve years in the company's Wellington office, where he gained a wide experience of under writing.

Mr. H. M. Didsbury.