WHAT OF THE FUTURE

NZ Truth, Issue 1214, 7 March 1929, Page 11

WHAT OF THE FUTURE

Superannuation Scheme For Jockeys

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Eepresentative).

A Superannuation scheme for jockeys would do much to make the calling .worth while -when- a rider's days were over.

■'■ . ' . '.'.."..' . f HOWEVER, the jockey is sloav to move, anjl such a beneficial project Avould hardly enter the' minds of the majority following the calling. Nevertheless, one of the more heady ex- jockeys, at present Avell installed as a private- trainer to one of "Ne\V Zealand's prominent OAvners, has mentioned the possibility of getting the | scheme going. It Avas admitted by the trainer concerned, that most jockeys lacked initiative, but he contended that if the matter Avas only looked -at m the right light - some" safeguard could be provided against -the poverty which at present exists among ex-horsemen Avho earned big money at the game, yet noAV have nothing to show for it. » The scheme AV§uld take a lot of ad-' justment regarding the amounts .payable to horsemen Avho had not been licensed horsemen for any great length of tirhe, but it could be satisfactorily arranged if there is N the will on the part of jockeys to get a superannuation scheme under way. The proposal 'is that all horsemen contribute 6d. of every £1 earned to- | iiiiiniiiinininuiniiiiiuiiiii|iiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii'iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!iiiiiiii

"wards such a fund, and that all jockeys* should be riding for at least five years, and contributing to the fund, before receiving, full benefits upon retiring from the business. - v "It would be necessary to make a stipulation that no matter hoAV short a period a jockey was contributing to the fund would he take out less than Avhat he put m, while interest should also be added. . ' , It would be simply amazing to what vast extent the fund would grow at 6d. m the £1 off riding fees earned. . . ■ "' It is a suggestion which should meet Avith the approval of all horsemen, and it is to be hoped that some of the leading riding experts Avill take the matter m hand and by bringing the matter to a head make suitable future provision for 'the hundreds who drfft. from the riding * profession into dire financial straits. . - - The scheme would be for the benefit of the many, and .the few who would riot— or r do hot at present — need its assistance y would be only to 6 pleased to pay the; small levy. . iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiitiiiiiijiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiijJiiiiiif iiiiiiriiiiiiJiiintiiiiiinHUi