NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 55, 10 July 1913, Page 4

NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND.

The second annual report of the National Provident Fund states that the work of bringing the advantages of the

fund before the public lias proceeded principally by means of the official! lecturers, who visit workplaces throughout the country for the purpose of explaining the special features of lithe fund and enrolling employees. The officials of the Postal .Department at the various offices have also done I excellent work in enrolling eontribut-j ors. At the present date the total | applications from all sources number over 4,000. The average weekly contribution per member has, since the lecturing campaign began, gradually fallen from 2s 3d to Is 8d per week. This is a satisfactory feature, as it is mainly due to a larger proportion of younger lives being enrolled. The Board wishes to express its appreciation of the sympathetic reception accorded the lecturers by the Press and employers generally throughout the Dominion. Many employers have shown a, desire to co-operate with the fund in the interest of their employees, particularly for superannuation purposes. It is found, however, that the Act does not provide sufficient machinery for co-operative action on these lines. The first benefit due under the Act is now payable, maternity grants hav--ing been claimed by thirty-one contributors to the amount of £l7l during the year ended 31st December. Tin rate of expenses incurred comes out at 28 per cent, of the contribution Income, as compared with 55 per cent, in 1911. .