Superannuation Deductions (Press, 3 November 1975)

On 3 November 1975, several letters to the editor were published, touching on various political and social issues relevant to New Zealand at the time. One letter, written by an individual identified as GEE THANKS, raised concerns about the deductions from their pay as a poll clerk under the New Zealand Superannuation Act. The writer questioned the necessity of contributing to a scheme from which they would not benefit, given their self-employed status. The general manager of the New Zealand Superannuation Corporation, Mr R. M. Muir, responded, explaining the contributions are cumulative and emphasising that many people have varied employment throughout their lives. He pointed out that self-employed individuals could also contribute to the scheme and noted that exceptions to standard procedures often lead to increased administrative costs. Another letter addressed comments made by Labour Party candidate Mr G. W. Lowrie regarding the economic conditions for farmers in the Rakaia electorate, asserting that farmers were better off under the Labour government compared to the National government. This viewpoint was challenged by G. W. Eastwick, who urged Lowrie to engage with local farmers to gain a more accurate perspective on their situation. The Social Credit League's candidate for St Albans, Quinton Manson, faced critique from P. R. H. Maltng of the Gay Liberation Front, who dismissed Manson’s comparison of homosexuality to alcoholism as misleading. Maltng affirmed the naturalness of homosexuality from a biological standpoint and cited authoritative sources that have declassified homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder, advocating for its acceptance. M. G. Clucas highlighted concerns over Lowrie’s personal attacks on National Party leader Mr Muldoon, suggesting that focusing on formulating effective economic policies would be more beneficial than resorting to personal insults. A letter from B. W. A. Johnson expressed discontent among young voters regarding the Labour government's economic management, lamenting the perceived burden of high taxation and government debt on future generations, which seemed to threaten their living standards compared to those of their parents. Finally, June Young called for political candidates to address issues related to animal welfare. She advocated for compulsory spaying and neutering of pets to manage the overpopulation of stray animals, arguing that pet ownership should come with the responsibility of controlling animal populations, in addition to the normal political concerns being addressed. These letters reflect the pressing social, economic, and political discussions of the time as New Zealand approached a general election, with constituents actively seeking change and accountability from their representatives.

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