"Canberra Clerks"

He Remembers The

Letter to the Editor IDO not know what the present system is in P-NG regarding leave of absence on half-pay, but I would like to call attention to what happened to me when I retired under the Papuan Super annuation Ord. of 1917 38.

I was due for 40 days on full pay, vacation leave, and 12 months on full pay, retiring leave. In order to get in one more year’s “service” for superannuation purposes I applied tin Australia) for 40 days on full pay and 2 years on HALF pay.

This must have annoyed the “Canberra Clerks” for I was per emptorily told that I could not do this.

I replied and as good as said: “Read the Ordinance and come again!”

The leave, as applied for, was granted—but the “Canberra Clerks” had the last say. They deducted full, not half, superannuation pay ment for the two years although, years before, in the case of S. A.

Greenland, it had been ruled that when on half-pay, five per cent, of the money actually received was de ducted—the wording of Section 17 was: “The annual salary received by him.”

I still maintain that the afore said “Canberra Clerks” robbed me.

I am, etc.,

Sydney H. Chance.

Brisbane.