STATE SERVANTS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 13093, 15 February 1937, Page 2

STATE SERVANTS

EARLY RETIREMENT OF MR. D. BLACK. PROTEST AT PALMERSTON NORTH. “IN THE PRIME OF LIFE.” “That a man of 53 years should have to retire when still in his prime, vitally affects us as ratepayers,” said Mr. Iv. A. Henderson, at a meeting of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce during a discussion on the recent retirement on superannuation of Mr. .0. Black, formerly chief postmaster at Palmerston North and' of Gisborne.

Tho meeting decided to forward to the Associated Chambers of Commerce the following resolution: “That it is not in tho interests of efficiency or economy'for efficient man to ho retired from Government departments beforo reaching tho age of 60 years.” Not only did early retirement deprive the community of efficient services, but it placed an extra burden on tho superannuation funds, Mr Henderson said. Mereily because a man had completed 40 years’ service, it did not: follow that ho' had ceased to he efficient. A member said that the Post Office) particularly was affected, as youths started employment frequently at 13 or 14 years of age, and were ready for superannuation, according to the present regulations, at 53 or about that age. Every resident of Palmerston North* M ould have been glad to see Air Black retain his position for another seven years, said tho president, Mr. A. J. Graham. Hie solvency of funds was not improved by the retirement ol 1 men in middle age. Mr. C. N. Raboue suggested that if any attempt were made to distinguish between efficient men and others when 40 years’ service had been completed, there would he difficulties. Mr. H. B. Free said that machinery should he devised to enable men whoso length of service led to their superannuation before tho age of 60 years to make application for reinstatement. The discussion closed with the passing of tho resolution.