Superannuation for Nurses

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XV, Issue 2, 1 April 1922, Page 64

Superannuation for Nurses

Extract from Parliamentary Debate, November 18.

Mr. Nash (Palmerston North) asked the Minister of Health whether it wouhl be possible for him to introduce legislation this session m regard to superannuation for nurses. He was sure everyone appreciated what these women did fov suffering humanity. Although hospital boards could, if they liked, provide pensions, the money had to come m from the ratepayers. The nurses as a body were anxious that they should have a superannuation scheme, so that they would have something to look forward to m their old age.

The Hon. Mr. Parr (Minister of Health ) said a similar question had already been asked m the House and answered. The

answer, if ho recollected aright, was briefly this: That while the Government recognised that it was a proper thing to have a superannuation scheme for nurses, at the present juncture it was impossible to find the large contributions which the actuary .said must be made from the Consolidated Fund for the purpose. Every member of the Government would like to see a superannuation scheme for these ladies, but he could not assure the honourable member that there was any possibility, m view of the financial position, of legislation being undertaken this session. Mr. Nash : Will it be considered nex; session? The Hon. Mr. Parr: T am unable to say.