SUPERANNUATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26027, 15 December 1945, Page 8

SUPERANNUATION

Sir,—Four recent sub-leaders on the “ salary grab " by members of Parliament let them oft very lightly. At a -time when the so-called stabilisation plan was in operation, it could have been condemned in much stronger terms. In one reference to it you pointed out the fact that £250 of the increase was free oi income tax. This is in strong contrast to the treatment meted out to superannuated members of the services. I recently retired on a pension of £214 a year and find I have still to contribute 2s 6d in the £ Social Security tax on the full amount. This I consider very harsh treatment after paying for ovei 40 years towards my pension, and, m later years, contributing towards . Social Security also. To add insult to injury, after deducting the Social Security charge, which reduces my pension to £lB5 a year, I have to pay income tax on the £l4 over £2OO. The recent alteration to the Superannuation Fund Act is very pleasing to those in the higher income group. It seems to be a failing of the present Government that “To whom it hath shall be given.” I think the Minister in charge is due for a shock when he finds out the numbers who will wish to withdraw their contributions from the Superannuation Fund. It is hardly logical to expect members of the services to contribute to both funds, and to benefit by one only, and be penalised for doing so. It was disappointing that the Bill was brought down in the dying hours of the session, when Opposition members had no chance to discuss the measure.—l am, etc., Superannuated. Milton, December 12.