TAXPAYERS' EVIDENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 286, 2 December 1932, Page 6

TAXPAYERS' EVIDENCE.

SUPERANNUATION—AND JUSTICE.

(To tlie Editor.)

As "Equity" suggests, let u.>, by all means get the Select Committee to take taxpayers' evidence regarding superannuation funds. Sueli evidence might be given in this wise: "Last week the committee was told that, since tlio inception of the Government superannuation schemcs,. our surpluses up to March, 1030 exceeded £33,000,000 and the subsidies due to superannuation funds which should have been paid in exceeded £2,000,000. For years past we taxpayers, who happen to be shareholders in banks, insurance companies and other commercial concerns of standing, have approved superannuation schemes for employees in the aforesaid activities. Furthermore, as ratepayers to various local bodies, we have approved similar action taken by such bodies. So far all these institutions and bodies are loyally keeping the compacts entered into with their employees. As general taxpayers we authorised the Dominion Board of Directors (that is the Cabinet of the Parliament of New Zealand) to establish similar schemes for State employees. This was done, the Government fixing the rates of contributions, conditions of entry, and retirement, and guaranteed allowances computed on a specified basis. The schemes as drawn up were accepted by the civil servants, who, to a man, paid up and in every way did their part. We taxpayers of New Zealand want to know why the Government and previous Governments have failed to 'play the game' with the State's contributors, all of whom are also citizens and taxpayers." Evidence on this line is not perhaps what "Equity" is asking for, but it is the only evidence an honest taxpayer could give. On looking over what I have written the section in inverted commas looks more like an arraignment than evidence for the Government. We will let it go at that. k'.E