Members Uncomfortable Over Public Reaction to Superannuation Scheme

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26620, 17 November 1947, Page 4

Members Uncomfortable Over Public Reaction to Superannuation Scheme

Political Correspondent. WELLINGTON, Nov. 16,

Faced with strong outside criticism of the proposed superannuation scheme, members on both sides felt misgivings, and no doubt there were several back-benchers who would have been happier to see the legislation dropped or at least shelved. On the Opposition benches, so Mr W. A. Bodkin informed the House in a speech notable for its refreshing candour, there were several members who were not favourably disposed to the scheme and there were some who, in caucus, according to Mr Bodkin, had expressed uncompromising hostility to it. After Mr Holland had informed the Government that, owing to the lateness of the session and lack of time for adequate consideration by the public, the Opposition would oppose the.measure, there were expectations, in which Labour back-benchers shared, that no more would be heard of it this session. Its appearance just after midnight on Thursday morning was therefore something of a bombshell.

Mr Holland, who appears to be showing signs of weariness after a long and exacting session in which he has not spared himself, made his position clear when he declared early in the debate that he supported the principle of a superannuation scheme for members, but could not accept the present scheme without an opportunity for more mature consideration. Able Defence

Mr A. H. Nordmeyer, who followed, gave one of his ablest performances, and again showed himself one of the finest debaters in the House. Speaking entirely without notes and never at a loss for the right word or the most eppropriate inflection, he stated the casj for superannuation as eloquently as it was possible to do. Later in the debate he received from Mr R. M. Algie, himself a fine debater, what must-have been a gratifying compliment. “We have heard from the Minister,” said Mr Algie, “ one of his ablest speeches, and we are accustomed to hearing able addresses from him.”

Mr Nordmeyer, who proclaimed himself a man of simple tastes, said that in his early days as a private member, in spite of the salary pooling scheme under which members’ salaries were augmented by i' 100 a year, his outgoings exceeded his parliamentary income by £IOO a year.

Mr Bodkin said that as long ago as 1928, when he attended the first caucus of the United Party, he had learned that superannuation was “ a burning question” among members of Parliament. His frank and courageous intimation that morally he had the same degree of responsibility for the r easure as if he had been a member of the Cabinet that introduced it must have warmed the hearts of Government members. Later in the • afternoon a more critical note was injected into the debate by Messrs M. H. Oram and T. C. Webb. Mr Oram, who ranks with Mr Nordmeyer among the outstanding debaters in the oresent Parliament, advocated that part 5 of the Bill, dealing with members’ superannuation, should be dealt with separately and held over until next year. When the House finally adiourned for the week-end break, it was not clear what tactics the Opposition would pursue. Mr Fraser has astutely postponed the committee stages for a week to allow time for outside representations to be made, but there is still every likelihood that the Opposition will renew it.s attack on part 5 in the committee stages. Apart from this contentious and touchy question of members’ superannuation. it was a remarkably quiet week. Mr Nash, obviously trying, to clear his crowded desk before taking wing for Havana, brought forward the Supplementary Estimates and the Finance Bill, which provided, among other things, for a slight reduction in death duties. He also introduced the Superannuation Bill, but someone else will stage that now it has been postponed for a week. Lively Interlude

Mr F. Langstone enlivened a rather dull evening by his spirited defence of the abolition of the Main Highways Fund. Although among Parliament’s veterans, he is still one of the spryest men in the House. His animated gestures, including snapping his fingers, pointing and leaning out into the aisle, show up in high relief the colourless technique of many other parliamentary speakers. There is no doubt, moreover, that he thoroughly enjoys himself when speaking on a congenial theme.

Repudiating the assertion that the petrol tax falls directly on the motorists and transport interests, he declared “ the butcher, baker and candlestick maker and even the mortician make the user pay.” When Mr W. J. Broadfoot interjected, Mr Langstone said. “I can't hear the hon. gentleman. - He'll just have to talk to himself.” Then he turned to Mr W. S. Goosman and delighted the House by saying. “He know the story. I know the story and he knows that I know that he knows the story.” He was still going strong when the bell rang and as he did not hear it the chairman had to signal to him to-sit down. “ Sorry, sir," he said, and subsided into his seat with a satisfied smile.

There was a well-timed interjection while Mr Langstone was speaking. “ I know,” he said, “and the present member for Waimarino (Mr P. Kearins) knows that, a few years ago the roads were so bad that you couldn't get 10 miles away from the borough of Taumarunui.” “And now got away to Roskill," interposed Mr Doidge quietly. Close Division

When Mr J. N. Massey singlehanded insisted on dividing the House on the abolition of the Main Highways Fund there were cries of “Now you’ll get the cane ” from Government members. The Government, however, had three members absent and although a pair had been granted for Mr Ritchie McDonald, whose wife died recently, the margin was only two votes. One vote, of course, is accounted for by the vacant Westland seat.

Mr R. Semple has been absent for the past fortnight through illness, and the Opposition still has Mr K. J. Holyoake and Mr D. C. Kidd away. It is reported that the latter may have to undergo an operation. A green eyeshade worn by Mr E. R Neale is the latest novelty to catch Ihe eye in the House. The artificial lighting the Chamber is painfully defective and few members can dispense with spectacles, but Mr Neale is the first to resort to an eyeshade. A frank admission that it is nice being a member of Parliament was made by Mr Nash when speaking on the Superannuation Bill. “In general, everybody who has been in Parliament, wants to come back.” he said. “ I know I like coming here.”