STAFF INSURANCE

Southland Times, Issue 22041, 14 June 1933, Page 8

STAFF INSURANCE

POWER BOARD SUBSIDIZED SCHEME APPROVED CHAIRMAN’S CASTING VOTE On the casting vote of the chairman, the Southland Electric Power Board yesterday decided to approve of a subsidized scheme of insurance for the staff, the details of which are yet to be finalized. A report was received from the board’s finance committee stating that the committee had investigated offers from various insurance companies, but was not prepared to spend further time on the proposal until the board signified its approval. A motion was put to the meeting that the board approve of a scheme in which its contribution would not exceed £5OO a year. Six votes were recorded for the motion and six against. The chairman (Mr W. Hinchey), who had used his deliberative vote in favour of the motion, then threw in his casting vote in its favour, and the motion was carried.

At the conclusion of the meeting Mr E. K. Sim, who had opposed the motion, gave notice of motion to have it rescinded, and the matter will again be discussed at the next meeting. Mr J. T. Carswell, who moved the motion, said the board shortly hoped to effect a saving in its exchange costs and part of that money could be used as a subsidy for the scheme.

The motion was seconded by Mr A. le H. Hoyles, who said the scheme would greatly benefit the staff. “I must oppose the idea,” said Mr J. D. Rodger. “For one thing it will destroy the independence of these men.”

“I shall also oppose it,” remarked Mr T. Golden. “If they get a lump sum a bad investment or a mortgage on it might destroy the benefits.” Mr A. A. Mac Gibbon protested against saddling the ratepayers with any additional costs. He said they were already carrying a heavy burden. “The position of many of the ratepayers is far more perilous than that of the staff,” remarked Mr Sim. “I am opposed to the idea.” “The trouble with many of the members is that they are not looking far enough ahead,” said Mr W. McChesney. “The position of this country to-day is largely due to the same thing in the past. Heavy payments have novz to be made to the Superannuation Fund. _Mr Golden, as chairman of the Hospital Board, should be well acquainted with the state of affairs. We should not have such a state of affairs that when men retire they must go to the Hospital Board. The board is fortunate that its staff is largely composed of young men.” "I must support the motion,” said Mr P. Arnott. “A few years ago we thought the cost would be £2400. Now we find it will be only £4OO or £5OO. Every year we delay the cost will be greater and we have 100 employees. We all have to pay enough taxes, Heaven knows, but that doesn’t do away with our responsibilities to the staff.’ “I am in favour of the idea, but I doubt if the time is opportune,” said Mr D. J. Heenan. “Our men have to risk their lives more than ordinary men and we should do anything possible to help them.” Mr W. M. Norman: They are protected now. Mr Carswell said he wished to stress the fact that the board would not only save on this year’s exchange costs, but also on the £BOOO spent last year. The motion was then put and carried on the chairman’s casting vote.

Later in the day Mr Sim claimed that the board had not been given sufficient time to consider the proposal, and he gave notice of motion that the resolution should be rescinded. Mr Arnott: It’s not in order.

“The matter was sprung on the board suddenly,” said Mr Mac Gibbon. “It is usual for the chairman to give his casting vote in favour of retaining things as they are.” “He is not bound to do so,” replied the chairman. “If that is so, why give him a casting vote?” “We have considered the matter lor eight years,” said Mr Arnott. Mr Sim’s notice of motion was then accepted and it will be considered at the next meeting of the board.