HEALTH SERVICES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 101, 2 May 1938, Page 8

HEALTH SERVICES

SUPERANNUATION PLAN POWER BOARD'S VIEWS [ Per I’r«M ] WELLINGTON, April 30. That the employees in the electrical supply industry would prefer to remain in their existing superannuation scheme, and that they did not feel that the national health superannuation scheme was in itself adequate to replace the benefits which they were now able to obtain under their existing schemes, were points made in a statement presented before the Parliamentary Select Committee this morning on behalf of the Electric Power Boards’ and Supply Authorities’ Association of New Zealand. “To sum up,” th? statement says,

‘‘the industry is quite prepared to pay for the services not now being provided under existing or proposed superannuation schemes, but asks that consideration be given by a reduction in the amount of levy in respect of such services as are already provided under these schemes.” Counties’ Observations A lengthy statement was presented to the committee by the New Zealand Counties’ Association. Summed up. the main contentions of the Counties’ Association are: “This organisation is in favour of the establishmenl of a social security scheme spread over a number of years. Such a comprehensive scheme of social betterment warrants the establishment of a separate department. It is felt that, the scheme should not be administered by several different agencies, perhaps with conflicting principles. “The association is of the opinion that the Government's health service proposal No. t should be undertaken at once and firmly established before tackling any of the others. Hospital rates of rural ratepayers should be substantially reduced, partly by changing the basis of the levy to the population. Some adjustment of the social security levy is essential, seeing that rural ratepayers will be contributing to the national health plan. “Social security and benefits: This phase of the scheme should be postponed until the health services and superannuation phases have been established. The strictest supervision shou'd be exercised over the granting of those benefits. A systematic and continuous attempt should be made by the department to find employment. “Superannuation: This phase should not be undertaken until the health services have been established, but should be the next in sequences. All permanent county council employees who are at present not in any scheme should be compelled to join the Na* tional Provident Fund. All county employees who are at present in a group assurance scheme should remain in it, and should not be asked to join the State superannuation scheme. These men should receive some adjustment of their social security levy, seeing that they are contributing to their own superannuation. “In conclusion.” the statement adds, “this organisation recognises the objective of the proposed social security scheme, namely to provide continuous ability to provide adequate food, clothing, housing, medical care, leisure for recreation and some means of provision for temporary incapacity to earn a living, and for the waning productivity of old age.” Optical Benefit* A request for an opportunity of discussing the full aspects and details of optical benefits at such time as a complete investigation is considered necessary is made in a statement presented to the committee by the Institute of Opticians of New Zealand. “In a review of the details of the administration and practical application of optical benefits,” the statement says, “we can foresee a large number of differential points which wou.'d require accurate definition and investigation in order that a just and smooth-working scheme would be instituted.” Christian Scientists’ Request The committee has received a letter appealing on behalf of the Christian Scientists of New Zealand for exemption from the provision of compulsory health insurance or, alternatively, that those desiring to do so may enjoy the right of calling upon the assistance of registered Christian Science practitioners.