CIVIL SERVANTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 268, 12 October 1932, Page 2

CIVIL SERVANTS

SUPERANNUATION PAYMENTS. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 11. A meeting of about 200 superannuated Civil Servants at Christchurch today determined on the fullest possible resistance if ' tlie Government proposes to give effect to the National .Expenditure Commission’s recommendations involving a reduction in superannuation payments. If cuts are contemplated, the Christchurch superannuitants represented at the meeting intend to contribute to a fighting fund which will enable the matter to be fought out in. the courts, and even in the Privy Council if necessary. The meeting appointed Mr W. H. Hagger, forraerly Conciliation Commissioner in Christchurch, to discuss the situation with a committee of superannuated Civil Servants at AVellington. It was stated at the meeting that the late Sir Charles Skerrett, former Chief Justice of New Zealand, had given it as his opinion that the Government was under bond in the matter of superannuation and could not alter the original superannuation agreement. The meeting negatived a suggestion that the Government bo asked not to reduce superannuation payments of £2OO yearly or less, standing out for no reductions at all. It was contended that the superannuitants, considering the sums which the Civil Servants had paid into the fund, wero entitled to press for the full returns provided for. MR FORBES’S COMMENT. WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. Brief comment was made by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, last evening on the announcement from Christchurch that superannuated Public Servants had determined to resist.any reduction of their pensions ' even to the extent of going to the Privy Council. “When the Bill relating to State superannuation funds comes before the House, it will at once be referred to a Select Committee for the hearing of evidenco,” said Mr Forbes. “The Government has decided to take this step for the special purpose of allowing those concerned to make their representations before the Bill is passed.”