FIXED RETIRING AGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 271, 16 November 1945, Page 4

FIXED RETIRING AGE

QUESTION FOR HOSPITAL BOARD A decision that three firemen, all of whom are more than 65 years of age, should be retired was reached by the Wanganui Hospital Board at its monthly meeting yesterday. The men are employed in the bo.ler house at the Wanganui Hospital. The Finance Committee has also been asked to bring down a report on the question of a retiring age being fixed for all employees. A report from the engineer, Mr. F. M. Smith, referring to the fact that three of the firemen were more than 65 years of age, one being more than 70, stated that new and expensive machinery had been installed and required careful watching. “The engineer is concerned about this matter,” said the chairman, Mr. D. D. Simpson (Hunterville). He added that men 65 years and older were entitled to the Social Security pension. The Hon. W. J. Rogers: They are entitled to it at 60 years of age. The chairman said he believed that one of the objects of tnis age benefit was to open up employment for younger men. “These firemen have done a good job of work, but in the interests of the board we should have a retiring age of 65,” he added. Mr. J. C. Bott said he believed that the retiring age should be fixed at 60, with a condition that all cases be reviewed when an employee reached that age. After a discussion on the question of whether the retiring age should be 60 or 65, .Mr. T. C. Kincaid (Taihape) said he thought the present position would be met if the three firemen were retired and the Finance Committee asked to submit a report on a retiring age for all employees. The suggestion was ultimately adopted. The board also expressed appreciation of the help given by the firemen concerned during a difficult period.