PUBLIC SERVICE SUPERANNUATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2801, 20 November 1907, Page 38

PUBLIC SERVICE SUPERANNUATION.

The PRIME MINISTER, in moving the | second reading of the Public Service Superannuation Bill, said it was intended to make provision for, in round numbers, some 6000 ; employees of the Government. He pointed out that from the year 1859-60 to the year 1906-07 the amount paid in gratuities reached £108,205, and the compensation to £250.082, and during the same period pensions amounted to £723,128 — a grand total, in round figures, of £1,100,000. Last year £8000 was paid in compensation. £8000 in gratuities, and £26.000 in pensions, or a total of £42,000. The total amount proposed to be paid into the fund for the purpose was £20.000 a year, and if a further amount was required Parliament . would- have power to grant the Colonial Treasurer what was required. Proceeding, he paid a high tribute to Mr Fox for the two report* he had- presented to the Public Accounts Committee. Some people appeared to think the delay had been due to

the actuarial report, but this had not bpen 60. but the matter hal requirc-d considerable consideration. He pointed out that

under the proposals, men could retire at 65 and women at 55. He said it was right and proper that they should "^e that the

I rate of contributions paid to the fund was reasonable, and he contended that the rates I under the bill were reaeonable. He explained that the employees of the Manawatu Railway Company, when it came . under the Government, would be enabled to come under the provisions of the Superannuation Fund when the company had paid ovr the £5000 agreed upon. The employees would have to submit to the same medical examination as others who came under the provisions of the bill. He said that ho had received many applica- | tions from teachers askiner that they could ,come under the scheme, ami he proposed,

when in committee.' to insert a clause enabling teachers to take a ballot on the question of coming under that course, and, if they agreed to that cour«e. then next session they would have to bring- down a short measure for that purpose. He al=o thought the police should be enabled to come under the bill. He added that it was

preferable to have one superannuation scheme instead of number. Replying to Mr Fisher, he said the whole of the clerical staff of the Defence Department came under the proposals of the bill. The Prime Minister went on to say that in'~a case where a man died the amount of the contributions would be paid to his widow, andin a case where a widow desired to invest in a 'small business provision was made that, instead of receiving £18 per annum, ehe could be paid a lump sum for that purpose.

Mr MASSEY said the work done by Mr Fox spoke volumes for what he had dons. He did not think it was altogether wise to compuleorily retire men at 60, or even at 65, as- frequently men at that age were well able to perform their duties and render good service to the State. He went on to say that the rates of contributions under the scheme were practically identical with those of the teachers' scheme, but were considerably higher than those, those of the police and the railway schemes. He agreed thoroughly on the principle of superannuation, especially for State employees, but he looked forward to the time when everyone would come under a superannuation scheme. — (Mr WILFORD: Yes, why should I not be allowed to pay my contribution into the fund ?) Mr Massey. continuing, eaid a great deal had been done in this direction by friendly societies, and he greatly admired them for the work they had done.

The PRIME MINISTER, in reply to Mr Massey, said notice had not been served on the Manawatu Railway Company, but. as indicated by him, notice would be served in accordance with the act. Referring- to Mr Massey'fi suggestion for a universal scheme, hebetated that he had circulated a bill all over the country last year dealing with annuities, and this had been well received by friendly societies. The second reading was agreed to on the voices, and the bill subsequently passed.

BILLS PASSED.

The Public Service Superannuation Bill, the Stock Act Amendment Bill, and the Packet Licenses Bill were read a third time- and passed.