When I agreed to prepare a paper for the consideration of the Institute of Actuaries, on the Life Assurance Companies Acts, 1870–72, I did not do so with a light heart. The task in any case would have been onerous, and events which have since transpired have not tended to increase my confidence. It has become a matter of public knowledge that the Council of the Institute had under consideration the laws relating to life offices, and that it was intended to take an early opportunity to debate the question. Moreover, it has been surmised that Government had in contemplation to take action in the matter, and, possibly in next session of Parliament, to bring in a Bill for the amendment of the law. I, therefore, cannot help feeling that a great responsibility rests upon me in opening a discussion of such importance, but I am emboldened to proceed, because, even if I fail to produce anything new or important, there are many here of far riper experience than myself, and a debate in such an assembly cannot but be instructive and useful.