POLITICAL NOTES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11615, 20 July 1905, Page 7

POLITICAL NOTES.

(From tur Parliamentary Special) (By Telegrapb). EXTENSION OF 'RAILWAY SUPER-

ANNUATION BENEFITS.

WELLINGTON, July 19.

The Minister for Railways was asked today whether he is in favour of a provision that, in the event of a member dying whilst upon the Railway Superannuation Fnnd, his widow and children may be allowed to receive the benefits of the Act as. though the member had died before going upon the fund.. N Sir Joseph Ward's reply was as follows: — It would be totally impossible to increase the liability of the superannuation fund in the manner imlirated, without recasting the 6ontributions to be made by the members, to make provision for the increased liabilities with which the fund would be loaded if the request were complied with. The basi3 on which tho fund has been founded provides for certain specific benefits, which are distinctly stated in the Act, being given to contributors in return for certain specific payments, which those who elect to receive the benefits of the fnnd must make in respect thereto. And every member of the railway service who has jointed the fund,has done so on the distinct \mdorstanding that for his contributions to the fund he would receive the benefits specified in the Act. The introduction of any disturbing elements such as that outlined in the question would materially affect the financial position of the fund, and no alteration such as suggested could therefore be made without recasting the whole scheme, and increasing the contributions to an extent commensurate with the increased liability which the fund would be called upon to bear. The Superannuation Fund Act already provides the most liberal benefits, which can be given to members of the railway service in return for their contributions, and it would not be to the interests of the members of the railway »ervice to attempt, upon the present^ scale j of contributions, to make further concessions.