PENSION PLAN

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1938, Page 7

PENSION PLAN

N.Z. & Australia RECIPROSITY ON PROPORTIONAL PASIS. I Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] CANBERRA, February 9. Inquiries in Ministerial circles, today, elicited the information that preliminary discussions had begun between Mr. Lyons and Mr. Parry, for the introduction of a reciprocal' pensions plan, between Australia and New Zealand, the cost to be borne by both Dominions; on a proportional basis, to be worked out by departmental officials. The aim is to provide pensions; for persons if their total residence in each country aggregates twenty or more years. There is a disposition to accept the New Zealand proposal for a reciprocal pen fiions plan, provided the difficulties of the cost of administration can be overcome.

References to the pensions matter Were made at a luncheon, to-day, given by the Commonwealth Government to Lord Galway, Mr. Parry,jind other overseas visitors, including Lord De La Warr.

Replying to the toast of the guests Mr. Parry paid a tribute to the pioneers, many of whom had provided the privileges enjoyed to-day by the younger generation. Some of them had since lived outside Australia. and it was most desirable that something should be done to assist them. - Mr. Parry added that, if the negotiations for a pensions system were successful, it would largely be due to the friendly attitude shown by the Prime Minister of Australia.

Lord Galway expressed himself as being heartily in favour of an exchange of visits between the best men of Australia and New Zealand He reminded the gathering of the New Zealand centenary in 1940, and hoped that representatives of all parts of the Empire would assemble. They would be assured of the heartiest welcome.