Returned Men Disprove Of M.P.'s Pension Scheme

Chronicle (Levin), 23 February 1948, Page 3

Returned Men Disprove Of M.P.'s Pension Scheme

. The February general meeting of - the Shannon branch of the Returned Services' Assoeiation was- held in Laurvig's'Hall last week. The vice'president Mr. B. Clayton presid'ed over Messrs. J. Sinclair, R. S. Downes, V. J. Rateman, J. Ritchie, S. W. Barber, F. O. Burtt, -M.' R. Lange, R. O'Donnell and G. Guerin. Mr. T. Kelly, of the Tokomaru subbranch was also present. A letter was received from the Wanganui branch of -the R.S.A. asking for the support of the . Shannon branch- in a resolution which is to be forwardcd to the N.Z.R.S.A. headquarters. Following , a discussion it was resolVed to support the resolution, and it was agreed that the following ' resolution be forwarded to headquarters: — "That the Shannon branch of the Returned Services' Assoeiation protests against recent enactments by which the Govern-'-ment has granted to members of Parliament a superannuation , scheme allowing members up to

£400 on retirement. It is felt strongly by this assoeiation that war pensioners, who have been disabled or crippled in the service of their country and are physically debarred from earning any aaditional remuneration, should receive so much less than a member of Parliament who may retire from politics after only nine years of service with a superannuation in excess of a disabled war veteran. By this superannuation scheme, the Government has given its assessment of the service of a war veteran. The reward of a soldier crippled in action In the face of enemy fire has been determined by the Government as less than that of a politician discredited and dismissed by the electors after nine years service in the House. This may be the opinion of the Government but the executive feels that it is not the opinion of the people of New Zealand and records ils protests at an action which can be interpreted as nothing ,but an insult to the war veterans of this country." In connection with the annual Anzac dinner, it was resolved that the president and secretary discass the matter with representa^ives oi: the Shannon Women1 's Institute ' On the motion of Mi\ S. W. Barter it was agreed that a letter of isympathy- in his recent unfortunate accident be sent to Mr. Bruce Lange. . A parcel will also be forwarded. A comforts parcel is alsd to be: forwarded to Mr. E. J. Gunning; the secretary of' tlie lccal branch, who is an inmatei of the Palmerstoh North HospltaL . ; . Arrangements for the local contribution towards the onening of the Tokomaru sub-braneh c-ub room vrere made. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair, following which members were entertained at supper by members of the women's section.