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Consistent with the principles on which the Superannuation System in the Colonies as well as in this country is administered, They would hesitate to recommend, even with reference to unhealthy Colonies such as Hong-Kong and the West Coast of Africa, the adoption of a system of Superannuation under which anything short of incapacity, from infirmity of mind or body, to discharge the duties of an office should, under a certain retiring age, be admitted as a ground for Pension.
The supposition upon which a pension should be granted to a Public Servant, on retirement, for a Pension out of Public Funds, is that such person has become incapacitated through age or illness from rendering any further efficient service; and the Superannuation Acts with reference to the Civil Service in this country made this general provision that under the age of 60 such incapacity shall be certified on Medical Authority.
In some of the Colonies persons are allowed to retire at an earlier age than 60; but Their Lordships are aware that in any case of retirement before the specified period at which incapacity from old age may be supposed...