LIMITED BENEFITS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23026, 2 May 1938, Page 10

LIMITED BENEFITS

POWER BOARD STAFFS EXISTING FUNDS PREFERRED REDUCED LEVY REQUESTED [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Sunday That employees in the electrical supply industry would prefer to remain in their existing superannuation scheme, t and that they did not feel that the national health and superannuation schemG was, in itself, adequate to replace benefits which they were now able to obtain under their existing schemes, wore points made in a statement presented before tho Parliamentary Select Committee this morning on behalf of the Electric Power Boards and Supply Authorities' Association of New Zealand. "To sum up," the statement says, "the industry is quite prepared to pay for services not now being provided under existing or proposed superannuation schemes, but asks that consideration bo given by reduction in tho amount of the levy in respect of BUch services as are already provided under these schemes." General Approval A lengthy statement was presented to the committee by the New Zealand Counties' Association. Summed up, tho main contentions of the association were: — "In general this organisation is in favour of tho establishment of a Bocial security scheme spread over a number of years. Such a comprehensive scheme of social betterment warrants tho establishment of a separate department. It is felt that the scheme should not be administered by several different agencies perhaps with conflicting principles. "As far as the health services are concerned, the association is of the opinion that the Government's health service proposal number one should be undertaken at once and firmly established, before tackling any of the others. The hospital rates of rural ratepayers should be substantially reduced, partly by changing the basis of the levy to population. Some adjustment of the social security levy is, in the association's opinion, essential, seeing that rural ratepayers will be contributing to the national health scheme. Health Service First

"The social -security benefits phase of the ficheme should be postponed until the health services and superannuation phases have been established. The strictest supervision should be exercised over the granting of these benefits, and a systematic and continuous attempt should bo made by the department to find employment. The superannuation phase should not be undertaken until the health services have been established, but should be next in sequence. All permanent county council employees who are at present not in any scheme should be compelled to join the National Provident Fund. All county employees who are at present in a group assurance scheme should remain in it, and should not be asked to join tho Stato superannuation scheme. These men should receive Bome adjustment of their social security levy, seeing .that they are contributing to their own superannuation." In conclusion, the association statement adds: —"This organisation recognises the objective of the proposed social security scheme, namely, to provide adequate food, clothing, housing, medical care, leisure for recreation, and some means of provision for temporary incapacity to earn a living, and for waning productivity in old age." Optical Benefits A request for an opportunity of discussing the full aspects and details of the optical benefit phase at such a time as a complete investigation is considered necessary was made in a statement presented to the committee by the Institute of Opticians in New Zealand. "In a review of details of administration and tho practical application of optical benefits," the statement says, "wo can foresee a large number of differential points which would require accurato definition and investigation in order that ' a just, smoothworking scheme would be instituted. The committee received a letter appealing on behalf of the Christian Scientists of New Zealand for exemption from tho provisions of compulsory health insurance, or, alternatively, that thoso desiring to do so may enjoy the right of calling upon the assistance of registered Christian Science practitioners.