EXEMPTION DESIRED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 April 1938, Page 8

EXEMPTION DESIRED

FROM SUPERANNUATION SCHEME POSITION OF POWER BOARD EMPLOYEES. PREPARED TO PAY FOR NEW SERVICES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. WELLINGTON, This Day. That employees in the electrical supply industry would prefer to remain in their existing superannuation scheme and that they did not feel that the national health superannuation scheme was in itself adequate to replace the benefits which they were now able to obtain under- theii’ existing schemes, were points made in a statement presented before the Parliamentary Committee this morning on behalf of the Electric Powei’ Boards and Supply Authorities’ Association of New Zealand. “To sum up,” the statement says, “the industry is quite prepared to pay for services not now being provided under the existing or proposed superannuation schemes, but asks that consideration be given by a reduction in the amount of levy in respect of such services as are already provided under these schemes.” VIEWS OF COUNTIES COMPREHENSIVE STATEMENT BY ASSOCIATION. PROGRESS BY STAGES URGED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 30. A lengthy statement was presented to the committee by the New Zealand Counties’ Association. Summed up, the main contentions of the Counties’ Association are: —“In general, this organisation is in favour of the establishment of a social security scheme spread over a numbei’ of years. Such a comprehensive scheme of social betterment warrants the establishment of a separate Department. It is felt that the scheme should not be administered by several different agencies, perhaps with conflicting principles. “Health services—The association is of opinion that the Government’s health service proposal No. 1 should be undertaken at once and firmly established before tackling any of the others. The hospital rates of rural ratepayers should be substantially reduced, partly by changing the basis of the levy to population. Some adjustment, of the social security levy is essential, seeing that rural ratepayers will be contributing to national health. Social Security—The benefits of this phase of the scheme should be postponed until the health services and superannuation phases have been established. The strictest supervision should be exercised over the granting of these benefits. A systematic and continuous attempt should be made by the Department to find employment. “Superannuation—This phase should not be undertaken until the health services have been established, but should be next in sequence. All permanent county council employees who are .at present not in any scheme should be compelled to join the National Provident Fund. All county employees who are at present in a group assurance scheme should remain in it and should not be asked to join the State superannuation scheme. These men should receive some adjustment of their social security levy, seeing that they are contributing to theii’ own superannuation. “In conclusion,” the association statement adds, “this organisation recognises the objective or the proposed social security scheme —namely to confer continuous ability to provide adequate food, clothing, housing, medical care, leisure for recreation and some means of provision for temporary incapacity to earn a living and for the waning productivity of old age.” OPTICAL BENEFITS. EXTENDED CONSIDERATION ADVISED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. WELLINGTON, This Day. A request for an opportunity of discussing the full aspects and details of the optical benefit at such a time as complete investigation is considered necessary is made in a statement presented to the committee by the Institute of Opticians of New Zealand. “In a review of the details of administration and practical application of optical benefits,” the statement says, “we can forsee a large number of differential points which would require accurate definition and investigation in order that a just and smooth working of the scheme would be instituted.” The committee received a letter appealing on behalf of the Christian Scientists of New Zealand for exemption from the provisions of the compulsory health insurance, or in the alternative that those desiring to do so may enjoy the right of calling upon the assistance of registered Christian Science practitioners.