Pension "Chopped"

IT is stated in the January “PIM” that a former Papuan public servant, who had retired before the Japanese war broke out, has had his pension cut by half because he had accepted employ ment in a Government Department.

Surely there is something wrong with the “facts” in this matter?

The Regulations (No. 200 of 1942 —dated 27th April, 1942) governing all matters relating to the two services (Papua and New Guinea) after the civil administra tions were suspended (12th February, 1942) distinctly apply only to officers who were in those services at the time of such suspension.

The pertinent regulation in this par ticular matter (Superannuation) reads:— “17 —where a person who is granted a superannuation allowance . . . after the commencement of these Regulations is employed by the Commonwealth ... the rate of superannuation allowance pay able to him during that period of em ployment shall be fifty per centum of the rate to which he would have been entitled but for this regulation.”

If your facts are correct the person concerned should appeal against an action obviously due to an incorrect reading of the Regulations.

I am etc.,

J. T. Bensted.

Sydney, 28/1/1943.