PARLIAMENTARY PENSIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3102, 27 August 1913, Page 13

PARLIAMENTARY PENSIONS.

PROVISION FOR MEMBERS AND WIDOWS. (From Oca Owx Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 22. The question of a pension scheme for the benefit of members of Parliament and their widows, which was brought up in the House yesterday, was brought before the Prime Minister to-day by a deputation of over 40 members. Mr Dickson, who has been active in instituting the movement, introduced the deputation, which represented the opinion of practically every member in the House. The speakers, who included Messrs John Bollard, Myers, Glover, Mander, Laurcnson, Colvin, Davey, and Vcitch, pointed out that there were old members out of the House—in one case, that of Mr Frank Lawry, late member for Parnell, with a record of over 25 years—whose lives had been given to the service of the country and who certainly were worthy of equal consideration with old messengers for whom provision had been made. The Prime. Minister said that he agreed heartily that something should he done. After discussion a committee was set up to draft a Bill, which the Prime Minister said he would place before the Cabinet with his own strong recommendation. It is understood that the Bill will be something on the lines of providing for a pension of about £l5O a year for members who have served at least nine years, and in the event of death an annual allowance of about £75 for the widow. It is also proposed that the scheme shall be financed by contributions from members of something like 5 per cent, of their honorarium.