PENSIONS FOR EX-MEMBERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16326, 23 August 1913, Page 11

PENSIONS FOR EX-MEMBERS.

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. A SYMPATHETIC REPLY. [Feom Quit Correspondent.] WELLINGTON. August 22. A deputation of over forty members of Parliament waited on tho Hon W. F. Massey this morning with the object of urging tho Government to introduce a pension scheme for old members. Mr J. S. Dickson, member for Parnell, who has been active in instituting the movement, introduced tho deputation, which represented the opinion of practically every member of the House, tho Speaker included. Messrs John Bollard, A. M. Myters, A. E. Glover, F. Hander, G. Laurenson, J. Colvin, T. H. Davey and A. W. Veitch pointed out that there were old members, mentioning Mr F. La wry in particular, with a record of over twenty, fivo years, whose lives had beon given to tho service of the coimtry, and who were worthy of equal consideration to old messengers, for whom provision had been made.

Mr Massov agreed heartily that something should be done, and after discussion a committee was set up to draft a Bill, which, the Premier said, he would place before the Cabinet with his own strong recommendation. It is understood that the Bill will bo somothing on tho lines of providing for a pension of about £l6O per year for members who have served at least nine years, and, in the event of death, an annual allowance of about £75 for the widow. It is also proposed that the scheme shall bo finanoed by contributions from members, something like 6 per cent of their honorarium being used for tho purpose. Mr Dickson expressod himsolf as very gratified at the result of the deputation.