Superannuitants’ Jubilee

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32381, 21 August 1970, Page 10

Superannuitants’ Jubilee

To find at the end of years of struggle that what was to have been a secure future had turned out to be an economic nightmare because of inflation would have daunted many lesser people, but superannuitants were still struggling for worth-while benefits for themselves and others to follow, the fiftieth anniversary luncheon of the Canterbury-Westland branch of the Government Superannuitants’ Association was told yesterday. The luncheon, which was attended by about 250, was

held in conjunction with the Canterbury branch of the Railway Superannuitants’ Association, and 'was attended by representatives of several allied organisations. Mr C. L. Waters, the district chairman of the Public Service Association, said there wpre many battles still to be won, especially the one concerning the existing widow’s payments. Other speeches were made by the chairman (Mr R. P. Robinson), the president of the national body (Mr C. N. Irvine), a past president (Mr

W. E. Barker), the national president of the Railways Superannuitants' Association (Mr O. J. Doidge), and the district inspector of the Public Service Commission (Mr D. Warmington). The luncheon was followed by a conversazzione and afternoon tea. A cake, presented for the occasion by Mrs I. P. Cooper was cut by Mrs B. K. Davies, the association’s only life member. The association, which started in 1920 with a membership of 232, was weakened by

the formation of the Railway Superannuitants’ Association in 1934, and membership declined to 150 in : early 1947 Since then, it has 1 risen steadily and now stands at 768. The railways association works closely with the original body.

The photograph shows Mr Robinson and Mrs Robinson (left), receiving some of the guests before the luncheon. They are talking to Mrs W. G. towrie and Mr E. P. Cahill and Mrs Cahill.