SUPERANNUATION SCHEME

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 March 1935, Page 4

SUPERANNUATION SCHEME

NATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS PROPOSAL IN UPPER HOUSE STATE INQUIRY ADVOCATED. (By Telegraph—Tress Association.) WELLINGTON, March 6.

Continuing in the Legislative Council to-day the debate on. the Hon. G. J. Anderson’s motion advocating universal contributors’ superannuation and requesting the Government to make available the probable cost of such a scheme, the Hon. R. McCallum suggested pensions should be provided for ex-members of Parliament. It was regrettable, he said, that many of them had to rely on allowances voted each year. The Hon. D. Buddo said he was doubtful whether members would support compulsory retirement at the age of (50 as was provided in the motion. ■Sir James Allen said many people were efficient and capable at 60, and if they were retired the country would lose their valuable services.

The Hon. C. J. Carrington said he was sympathetic to the motion, but. wished to sec details before committing himself. The Hon. J. Alexander suggested the retiring age should be raised to 65. The Hon. L. M. Isitt favoured the setting up of a special committee which could investigate the problem and bring down a comprehensive report. The Hon. A. Burns said they should endorse the principle of the motion and wait for detailed information before criticising the details. There had been many objections to old-age pensions, but no-one would oppose them to-day. The Hon. R. Masters said the Government was not unsympathetic with the motion and might see its way to conduct an inquiry along the lines of the motion. He suggested the motion should be amended, deleting any reference to the retiring age. Mr Anderson accepted the suggestion and the motion was passed.