SOCIAL SECURITY

Franklin Times, Volume XXX, Issue 90, 15 August 1941, Page 5

SOCIAL SECURITY

CONTRIBUTIONS UNPAID DELINQUENTS PROSECUTED A WARNING TO EMPLOYERS “ll is believed Ilia( there arc a number of Maoris in this district similarly in arrears and the Department; is put to considerable difficulty and expense in tracing the delinquents. It would greatly facilitate matters if Ihe growers and other employers complied with the Act, with respect to the examination of coupon hooks when the instalments become due. They do not appear in many instances Lo recognise their responsibilities in this connection,’’ stated I lie district agent of the Social Security Department, Mr B. J. Wilson, at the Pukekohe Court on Wednesday, when two Maoris were charged before Mr F. If. Levien, S.M., with being in default for more than one. month in payment of instalments of their Social Security levies.

’fieri Simon, of Pukekohe, was alleged not. !o have paid the instalments due on November I, 15)31); February t, May t, August I, November 1, 1040, and February 1. 104.1. Mr Wilson said that despite many reminders issued to defendant by tho Commissioner of Taxes, the defendant had not effected payment of the arrears. He had interviewed defendant hut apart from making a statement that he was unable to pay the amounts in question, he had treated the whole matter in an off-hand manner. He did, however, promise to call at the office in Pukekohe, if having been intended to assist him by making arrangements for the liability to be reduced by weekly instalments, but lie did not fulfil his promise. After the information was laid defendant called and paid £l. The defendant was employed in a casual capacity in the market gardens and it, was practically impossible to obtain any reliable estimate of his earnings. Prosecution of Growers The Magistrate suggested to Mr Wilson that it might assist if one of the growers was prosecuted for employing persons who had not paid the instalments. Witness replied that the matter was under consideration. Defendant was fined £1 15s and ordered to pay 15s costs. Kohi Kani. of To Kohanga. was charged in respect of instalments due on August 1 and November I, 1 935), February I, May I, August .!. and November I, 1940. and February 1. 194:1. Mr Wilson said that despite notices sent to him by the Commissioner of Taxes Ihe defendant made no effort to pay his instalments. He was personally interviewed by witness when lie admitted his omission and promised 1.0 effect, payment by the end of June, lie was the owner of a farm of 58 acres leased for £.17 15s per annum, lie lived in a "hutment on Ihe property and consequently had no rent to pay. He was in casual employment in the district, hut I here was little possibility of obtaining an estimate of his yearly income although it, was certain that it was sufficient to permit of instalments being paid as they fell due. This was evidenced by the fact that lie paid the full arrears and penalties £3 is on August, 8. It was only when these people were brought to I lie realisation that proceedings- were being instituted flint they made an effort to pay.

Dofondanl was convicted and ordered lo pay 17s costs.