EX-CIVIL SERVANTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 9 August 1930, Page 14

EX-CIVIL SERVANTS

SUPERANNUATION ANOMALIES

The question of setting up a Koyal Commission to inquire into superannuation anomalies is" again referred to by the Dominion executive of the Superannuated Public Servants of New Zealand in its report, which will be presented at the annual meeting on 12th August. The'executive states that on approaching the late Sir Joseph Ward on the sub-j'ecYj-thc reply given by Sir Joseph that some form of an inquiry would be held was generally regarded as satisfactory, and the great interest evinced by him in the success of the scheme, and his firm determination that the finances should bo placed once more on a thoroughly sound economic basis'was very pleasant hearing, though not at all unexpected from one who founded and fostered the .beneficial system which has proved itself to bo of such value to Public servants . . Before, however, the necessary steps could be taken to set up the Commission of Inquiry which the Prime Minister had in contemplation, ho was stricken down with the illness from which ho never recovered, and another quasi departmental committee of inquiry was set up by the Aeting-Primo Minister. Inquiry from the chairman of this further committee has failed to obtain a copy of the ''Order of Reference,-" but once more tho executive has been assured that opportunity will be given for tho association *o be hoard at the sittings of this committee or commission, whuhevcr it may be styled, of inquiry. I "It must be admitted that so far, !'.he position is anything but satisfactory," states'tho executive, "but uu'der the existing condition of matters political, and the apparently chaotic conditions of matters financial, it is difficult to determine the wisest course of action to be pursued at the present juncture. It appears certain that just at present we cannot expect questions which, however deeply interesting to us as retired Public servants, arc not of vital importance to the existence of any Government, to receive that amount of attention to which we consider they are entitled. As matters are at present, it would appear to be not only futile, but probably detrimental to our interests in the future if further immediate steps were taken to press upon the badly harassed Government our just and legitimate claims."