RAILWAY SERVICE BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1920, Page 4

RAILWAY SERVICE BOARD.

SITTINGS CONCLUDED

WELLINGTON, Feb. 7. The New Zealand -Railway Service Enquiry Board met to-day to consider the question of superannuation. Mr R. Hampton president of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, contended that it was bad business to allow a man to remain in the service after completing 40 years, in order that he mightget a larger salary, and thus bo entitled to draw more superannuation than if he had left on completing 40 years’ service. Parliament, lie said, had never anticipated that men would hang on after they were due to retire. ,\s things were, some high-salaried men were apt to adopt a “ mark-time ” attitude. The Chief Traffic Manager had 44 years seven months’ service, with a salary of £1,250, and the AssistantTraffic Manager 46 years 10 months service, with a salary of £BOO. The tendency was for men with really nothing to iose to take up an irresponsible attitude. Mr Hampton paid a tribute to tho ability and energy of the General Manager, but said that it was not right that he should have to carry so great a burden. The uncertainty regarding tho retirement of high officials entitled to retire made it impossible for a man to calculate his prospects of promotion, and, in consequence, tho Department might lose many a man deserving of every encouragement. Mr MacDonald., Assistant,-Gcneial Manager, in reply pointed put that Mr Hampton’s remarks referred on\ ‘ officers of the First Division. These entered as cadets at from lo to L jea of a"e. Tf they retired after 40 yea they would, he in their prime at 5o and 57—the zenith of many a man s careei. Ho placed the blame for the rise in ng , Superannuation Board, hut upon the Classification Board. This concluded tlie enquiry. Mr Justice Stringer said that lie would present his report as early a possible. m