Exhibit 99(ii)


                                                            CONTACT:
                                                            James C. Rowan, Jr.
                                                            (860) 722-5180

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HSB GROUP DECLARES DIVIDEND


HARTFORD,  CT,  November 4, 1997 -- The Board of  Directors  of HSB Group,  Inc.
(NYSE-HSB)  today declared a regular  quarterly  dividend of 60 cents per share,
payable  January 28, 1998,  to  shareholders  of record at the close of business
January 9, 1998. This will mark the 127th  consecutive year in which the company
has paid a dividend.