FOR A RAINY DAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 6 August 1931, Page 8

FOR A RAINY DAY

NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND AN AMENDING RIM, (From "Tho Mail’s” Parliamentary Roporlor) WELLINGTON, sth August. The removal of certain difficulties which have arisen in the administration of the National Provident Fund is aimed at in the National Provident Amendment Bill, which was read a second time in the House to day. In moving the second reading tho Postmaster-General (the lion. J. B. Donald) explained that the provisions of the Bill placed contributors to tho fund under superannuation schemes inaugurated by local bodies or linns on the same basis as civil servants. This amendment had been necessary owing to salary and wage reductions. There was also provision that claims for incapacity and maternity benefit should he made within twelve months.

In reply to questions the Minister stated that tho Fund now totalled oyer £3,000,000. Fifty-three firms, involving 650 employees and 109 local bodies,, involving 6550 employees were linked up with tho scheme. Provided local bodies were satisfied, tho Department was prepared to allow employees to continue their contributions on tho old salary. Ho agreed that the fund should, if possible, ho extended and so reduco tho Pensions Bill and he hoped that one day a scheme would be inaugurated, embracing the whole of tho people of the Dominion.