SUPERANNUATION

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26512, 29 August 1951, Page 9

SUPERANNUATION

Sir,—ln your leading article of August 24 ypu stated that universal superannuation would take effect immediately. In to-day’s issue of "The Press" a correspondent says that it will not be increased until June next. Can you give your readers a, definite ruling on the question? Electors have become very suspicious of long-dis-tance promises of financial relief. I was pleased to note that you consider we are the class which has suffered most from rising costs- Many public servants retired on superannuation based on a percentage of salaries much lower than those ruling to-day. Superannuation should, like social security benefits, soldiers’ pensions, etc., be exempt from social security charges. Mr Nash has promised to remove this. All superannuitants do not receive the universal benefit, many through illhealth or other reasons retire before reaching the age of 65.—Yours, etc., SUPERANNUITANT. August 27, 1951.

A National Party advertisement on Page 10 of “The Press” of August 22 said: “On its re-election the National Government will immediately double the present rate of universal superannuation and also the present rate of increase.”—Ed., “The Press."]

Sir,—l can find no rhyme or reason, or any justice whatever, in the treatment of lower-paid Government superannuitants. All Government superannuitants draw from the Superannuation Fund an amount which their contribution entitles them to draw. The Government also pays them an additional pension. One would expect that this additional pension would be greater for those who receive least from the fund. .This is not so. The superannuitant who draws most from the fund is also given the greatest additional pension —a procedure which is unjust both to the taxpayers and to the lowerpaid superannuitants. If it is necessary to supplement payments from the fund, the additional pension should be a fixed amount. It should not, at any rate, be increased according as it becomes less necessary.—Yours, etc., TO HIM THAT HATH. August 27, 1951.