AFTER THIRTY-FIVE YEARS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 92, 20 April 1931, Page 6

AFTER THIRTY-FIVE YEARS

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Your sub-leader under the above heading in "The Post" of 15th, expresses views which, many will be in agreement with. There is no doubt that care will require to be exercised in applying the general rule of retiring men where there is difficulty in filling their places' by lessexperienced men or less efficiency. Again, there is the loss of experienced men perhaps in their prime capable of many years of useful service, and the burden on the Superannuation Funds already carrying a heavy load. • But there is the other side of the story. As you say: why should there be any difference of treatment? With very.few exceptions, I take it -that most of the higher positions have understudies, men who could replace those retired at lower salaries without niaking_ extra appointments, thereby effecting savings. Many positions could no doubt be filled in this way; but there should be no discrimination; no special : privileges to a favoured few. The public and those in the service will watch this aspect of the situation closely and judge accordingly by .what is done. The shearing off from the top_ will give opportunities for those lads waiting to enter the service, whose parents have borne the expense of equipping them for a career who at present are'blocked. I speak as a widow with five sons,. two of whom have qualified by examination for positions and cannot be placed. The men with thirtyfive years' service or longer have reared their families and have, as a general rule, less financial responsibilities than those with young children, and then they will have pensions assured. Let there be no humbug about it; where men have completed 35 years or more and cap be replaced (if necessary), they should be retired without exception. Mr. Forbes and _ his Government have faced a difficult situation promptly and courageously by imposing the "cut." We are a small population with a huge Public Service, and there is only one way to meet the position, and that is, as far as possible, by reducing the number of highly-paid officers and making no new appointments.—< I am, etc., '- ' • '■ EDITH M.