SUPERANNUITANTS’ RIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1932, Page 7

SUPERANNUITANTS’ RIGHT

HOUSE COMMITTEE'S INQUIRY

STRONG PROTESTS FROM A.S.R.S.

SANCTITY OF CONTRACTS .URGED.

RIGHT TO WITHDRAW CLAIMED.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Wellington, Last Night. Strong protests against the Government Superannuation ’Funds Bill were made by the A.S.R.S. to-day before a select committee of tlie House of 'Representatives which is hearing evidence concerning the proposals. The secretary of the association, Mr. L. Mcllvride, stated in evidence this morning that if the National Expenditure Commission's recommendations were given effect to they would defeat the underlying principles of the superannuation fund scheme, sow the seed of dissension throughout the Civil SerMee and destroy the reasonable expectation of the lives of the lower-paid men. Interference with the original contract would destroy the people’s confidence in the saeredness of British governmental contracts and create grievous antagonisms and strife. ‘

Mr. Mcllvride submitted that contributors to the fund should have the right to reconsider their position and be allowed to recover their payments to the fund, so as to Ibe able to make other arrangements for their old age. . Mr. Mcllvride said the contributors and superannuation boards had no opportunity of giving evidence before the commission.

Mr. J. Hargcst? “Is there not a feeling that the original contributors ‘got away’ with better conditions than they were entitled to?”

•Mr. Mcllvride: “I don’t know that I can say that. That was the original contract.”

Mr. Hargest; “You are satisfied with the administration’ of ths fund?” —• “Yes.”

Mr. W. A. Bodkin: “Was any protest made by your organisation that the (retirements in 1922 and 1930 .placed nn •undue strain on the fund?”—“Not that I am aware of.”

The com'mittee han adjourned till toimorrow.