FORTY YEARS' SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20263, 24 May 1929, Page 12

FORTY YEARS' SERVICE.

RETIREMENT OF OFFICIALS*

QUESTION OF SOUNDNESS,

The question of the compulsory retirement of railway officers under the 40 years' service rule was. raised at a recent meeting of the council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Attention was drawn to the approaching retirement of an officer of the department at the age of £2 years. Several members, referred to the ability and courtesy of the officer, and it was resolved to inquire if the t&s tirement was compulsory under the regu-s lations.

At a meeting of the council this week; the president, Mr. E. Salinond,, said that, he and the secretary had interviewed tha general manager of railways, Mr. H. H« Sterling, on tjie matter, and that the latter stated that railway officers were retired after 40 yeais' service, irrespective of their age. Mr. Salmondl said he pointed out to Mr. Sterling that that meant pay* ing another officer as well, as the pension of the officer who retired. It was now a question for the council to consider whether it should bring the matter ttndpr the notice of the Minister—that was, whether an officer should be forced to retire before he was 60 years of age. Mr. S. A. Longuet said there was another side to the question. Ji the rule were not strictly adhered to it meant keeping back men who were entitled to promotion. The President: It does not seem reasonable thing that a man under 60 years should be forced to retire. Mr. D. J McGowan: It is not economically sound. It was agreed that the president and Mr. McGowan interview the Minister oa the subject.