FIRE BRIGADE MEN

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1930, Page 5

FIRE BRIGADE MEN

SUPERANNUATION SCHEME. ART UNION SUGGESTED. WELLINGTON, Aug. 3. A suggestion that an Art Union should be conducted, in order to place a superannuation scheme for fire brigade men on a sound footing was made oy a deputation from, the Brigades’ Conference being held in Wellington, to the Minister for Railways (the lion. W. A. Veitdi) yesterday. Mr R. McKeen, M.P., who introduced the deputation, said the Act provided for a pension of only £250 and a contributory scheme was sought, A fireman was forced to retire jat between 50 and 55 years of age, owing to the strenuous nature of his work.

Mr H. Mayo, of Auckland, said that a remit in favour of a special scheme was passed at the last meeting of the Fire Boards’ Association. It was found however, that amending legislation would be required before action could be taken. Schemes inaugurated in other parts of the world were working satisfactorily. Hardship was often experienced. by men lifter their retirement, for they could hope for little dse than casual work.

Mr J. A. McKenzie, of Wellington, requested that any scheme Agreed tipon should be started as scoti as possible, as many men already had 20 or 30 years’service to their credit. He suggested an art union as a means of finding money for a start. ‘ The Minister said the question was one which would have to receive full attention. He had been approached, in the absence of the Minister for Internal Affairs, but lie could not make any promise for him. He would take a lively interest in the proposal. Local bodies would have to find more money for the purpose. He could see no objection to the holding of an art union, but that was a question his colleague would have to decide. Even so it was clear an art union would not provide enough to place tile scheme on a working basis.