SUPERANNUATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12243, 15 February 1918, Page 6

SUPERANNUATION.

FUNDS FOR LOCAL BODIES’

EMPLOYEES

Mr I'. J. Alley, head master of the übarenui School, and Mr Freeman, a member of the Paparna County Council, waited on the Hon G. W. Russell, Minister of Internal Affairs, this morning, and asked that employees of local bodies should receive Help in establishing superannuation funds. The deputation was introduced by Mr G. \VitU. M.P. Mr Alley said that there were men on the staff of the Riccarton Borough Council who had large families, ami could not make provision for their old age- Something should done for those men; they,could not do it themselves. Tho Christchurch City Council had a scheme of its own, and a sum had been subscribed to have the scheme investigated. The Wellington City Council’s employees also weie considering a scheme. Tho Minister had spoken in Parliament in favour of the principle of superannuation for local bodies’ employees. The machinery was available, and a start could be made by a conference, at which the Minister himself might attend. Tho men at Riccarton to whom he had referred earned 10s or 11s a day, and with their families had no chance of putting aside sufficient to make adequate provision for old age. In reply to the Minister Mr Alley said that the teachers, the police and the railway men had Government subsidies, and he thought n subsidy should bo given to local bodies’ employees. Bonuses were given to Civil servants that were not needed. If there was monev for that then there was money for tlie object ho advocated. It was hardly possible for the local bodies to give the subsidies. He was acquainted with the conditions of sonic local bodies’ employees and knew that they needed help. He wished to enlist the Minister’s powerful sympathy. , The Minister said that he regretted tho deputation did not more directly represent tho classes concerned. He would hp pleased to meet representatives of local bodies in and near Christchurch, and discuss the question with them. In 1909 legislation was passed to enable local bodies to help their employees to establish superannuation funds. All kinds nf bodies could establish a fund under the Act., Mr Alley had asked him to go outside the Government service, and if that was once done, why not the miners, shipping employees, and many others?

Mr Freeman: Why not anybody? The Minister said that that was just the point. Those who came under the local bodies’ superannuation fund were entitled to an allowance, and employees who did not come under the fund could have retiring allowances. He could not promise that the Government would consider the question while the war continued.