SOCIAL SECURITY REGISTRAR RETIRES

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31994, 22 May 1969, Page 12

SOCIAL SECURITY REGISTRAR RETIRES

Mr E. B. Pyne, registrar in Christchurch of the Social Security Department—“one of the busiest organisations in New Zealand, apart from the Post Office,” he said yesterday —will retire to day after 44 years in the Public Service. Mr Pyne was a member of the staff of the Social Security Department when it was formed in 1939, having transferred from the Government Life Insurance Department, which he joined in 1925. . Bom in Wellington and I educated at the Hutt High School, Mr Pyne came to Christchurch in 1934, and had two transfers back here, the last in 1959 as registrar of the Social Security Department. He was four years in the Army during World War IL including three years overseas with the 14th Light AntiAircraft Battery in the Middle East and Italy. ; Speaking of the work of ithe Social Security Departjment yesterday, Mr Pyne said: “We have 80,000 people on the books of the department in Christchurch, each of whom is being paid a fourweekly, or even weekly benefit to the amount of about $3O million a year.”

Commenting on New Zealand’s Social Security system, Mr Pyne said: “I do nbt think there is any country in the world which gives a better cash benefit for retirement, sickness, unemployment and to widows.

“Our Social Security system, which. pays means-test benefits to widows, invalids and persons over 60, with non-means-test benefits for superannuation beneficiaries at 65 and for family benefits, is a good one.”

Mr Pyne said yesterday that he considered the State to be the best employer, and a career in the Public Service was a good one. The Social Security Department, he said, provided interesting and rewarding occupations in the fields of social work, accountancy and administration.

“Most of the work is interesting, as the dull routine has been take over by machines,” Mr Pyne said. Mr Pyne, in his retirement, hopes to continue his present association with voluntary welfare organisations, such as the Christchurch Aged People's Welfare Council and Birthright.