OLD AGE PENSIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 6, 9 January 1899, Page 4

OLD AGE PENSIONS.

That Xew Zealand should be the first portion of the British Empire to inaugurate a practical system of Old Age Pensions may be fairly regarded as a remarkable example of the vigour, enterprise, and originalily which characterise young democracies. T;i

young countries whose past is unencumbered by those sentimental traditions, obsolete, forms, and suspicion of innovations, which more or less impede political and social' reforms in older lands, legislative experiments may be tried upon a virgin soil, free from the weeds of prejudice and tie dread of change. But in a co-in+ry like England, whose' institutions and schools of thought run mainly in old and' well-worn; grooves, and a complex civilisation creates innumerable factors which are often in conflict, it is difficult to suggest any radical change either politically or socially which does not in some measure come into collision with vested interests, or offend conservative predilections. Many attempts have been made in the House of Commons and among the ranks of modern philanthropists l,> devise a workable Old Age Pension system, but hitherto all these efforts have been doomed to melancholy failure. The very magnitude and complexity of the problem to be solved seems to have filled the hearts of the reformers with dismay. Mr Bernard Holland, in a.very interesting article in the 'Economic Journal' defines the problem as follows: —'How to meet the case of honest persons of the poorer classes, who, without clear

fault of their own, lose the means of subsistence in their old age, and have no resources—where endowed or voluntary charities are not available — except the workhouse or the meagre doles given in the form of out-door relief.' The Royal Commission which sat in 1892 estimated from carefully compiled'statistics that on one particular day poor relief was granted to 20 percent, of the whole population of the United Kingdom, and to nearly 30 per cent, in the course of the year. So wonder that the Commissioners characterised this condition of things as 'unsatisfactory and deplorable." With the exception* of _>Ir Ciiamberiiu and Mr C. Booth, the Commissioners vook a timid and pessimistic view of the situation. The two dissentients held that the question had not received adequate attention, and recommended another more workable commission, composed of experts, instead of mere dilettante explorers in a new and unknown field. This recommendation was adopted in 1895, with the following order of reference:'To consider any schemes or encouraging the industrial population, by State aid or otherwise, to make provision for old age; to report whether they can recommend the adoption of any proposal of the kind, either based upon or independent of rueh schemes, with special regard to the ease of any proposals of which they may approve, to their cost and probable financial results to the exchequer and to the local rates; their effects in promoting habits of thrift and self-reliance; their influence on the prosperity of the Friendly Societies, and the probability of securing the co-operation of these institutions in their practical work-

The Commission adhered strictly to the letter as well as the spirit of the order of reference, holding themselves precluded from recommending any scheme coming within the following category: — (1)" Based on compulsion as contrasted with encouragement; (2) confined to Friendly Societies or other cognate organisations, as distinguished from the. industrial population generally; (3) requiring- any contributions by the persons who are receiving public aid.

Of the multifarious schemes submitted to the Commission, the majority were rejected as being outside the scope of the inquiry, and for Jack of anything better the Commissioners evolved a system of their own. Briefly, this provided .nat if any person at the age of 65 should be in possession of an income of his own, derived from certain assured sources, not being less than 2/Q, or more than 5/ a week, he should receive from the local authorities a supplementary weekly pension of not more than 2/6, or less than 1/, the amount decreasing in proportion to the private income. But the inadequacy of this proposal was so palpable that it was dropped, and the Commissioners confessed their inability to 'devise any proposal free from grave inherent disadvantages.'

Tbe Commissioners also enunciated tbe principle that 'State aid cannot be justified, unless it is limited to aiding the individual when circumstances beyond . his control make it practically impossible for him To save from his own earnings an adeqtiate provision for old age. In other words. State aid was to be confined to the destitute or helpless, a condition which in England is common to nearly all the industrial classes in old age, and especially to those who have fought a stern battle with poverty in bringing up a family. Thus the Commission proposed to shut out of their scheme the artizan, better paid workman, and tbe lowest paid.labourer who lives from hand to mouth. Wisely,, the committee declined to recommend a scheme which could only benefit a small section of the people, r?d not those who most need it. One point suggested by the Commissioners contains a pregnant hint for ourselves. They expressed their belief thai, whatever might be the age limit or rate of pension fixed at first, it would be difficult to prevent the age limit from being lowered and the pension rate raised 'in accordance with future political exigencies,' a term which is as vague as it is sonorous. . Many of the arguments used by the Commissioners have a familiar look about them. Thus they feared that the pension would discourage thrift, and that the benefit would accrue rather to the employers than the workers. We in Xew Zealand have knocked the bottom out of these stock arguments.

Mr C. Booth was the only one of the social reformers who propounded a thorough scheme. He proposed that the whole of the 2,000,000 or so of persons in the community who have attained to the age of 65 years and upwards, whether rich or poor, should receive a pension of 5/ a week, without any contribution on their part, or any conditions as to character or antecedents. The fact that the" adoption of this daring proposal would involve an expenditure from the State coffers of £ 26,000,000 annually was enough to insure its rejection. But Mr Booth's at least had the merit of boldness. Another plan, suggested by Mr Lionel Holland, M.P., is that the'sole test to entitle any person to a State pension shall be that he Las belonged to a Friendly Society for a certain number of years, that he has never been in receipt of Poor Law relief, and is 65 years of age. Here, again, the objection is vital. This scheme would debar from State aid precisely those who most need if, the men who at some period of their lives have failed through illness or lack of employment to keep up their contributions to a friendly society, or have been temporarily dependent on charitable aid. In" fact the reports of the different Commis^. sions which have been set m. to grapple with the gigantic problem of pauperism and dependence upon the State appear to have approached their task from the outset in a" spirit of timidity and a narrowness of vision which are to us a striking illustration of the powerful influence of environment and the tenacity with which Englishmen often unconsciously elin°to obsolete ideas and methods. * &

The Hon. A. J. Cadman left Auckland on Saturday by the s.s. Muritai for the Great Barrier. He inspected the roads from Blind Bay to Whangaparapara, and walked over the district. He also, during his tour, viisted the Barrier Reefs mine and expressed himself pleased with the work done. On Sunday evening Mr Cadman was landed at Waikawau and walked to the East Coast, thence he walked over to Cabbage Bay, another eight miles. He intended going on :o Coromandei to-day. His private secretary (Mr B. Wilson) returned to Auckland by the Muritai.

A meeting of the Sir George Grey Memorial Committee wil be "held a"t the Muuicipal Buildings this evening at S o'clock,

I The remains of the late Mr A. G. H Burnand. of Cross-street, a member of the Ponsouby Navals. were interred yesterday in the Church of England Cemetery, Symonds-street. The deceased was accorded a military funeral, the whof^ of the companies forming the Auckland garrison ..ml aiso the Onehunga Rifle Corps and Permanent Artillery being represented. lac Ponsonby Xavals (by whom the tody was drawn on a gun-earring?^ the coffin being covered with tbe Union I Jack, surmounted by deceased's cap ' and side-arms) were present in strong ■■ force. The service at- the grave was 1 conducted by the Rev. Mr Potter, Ihe usual military honours of three volleys being fired by members of Ihe corps to which deceased belonged, under First-class Petty Officer G. E. Spinlev. Amongst the wreaths phiced ,on the'coffin by friends of. the deceased 'were floral tributes from the Fen>s..->:i-by Xavals (bearing the monogram ox the eompanv), Mr H. Davey (at whose factory * deceased was employed), broth'/r employees of the factory, the Ponsonby Naval Drum and T- 7if= Band, and The'employees of Mr Trenwuh s i boot factory.

Tbe n-ood ship Buffalo, which brought "Captain Hindmarsh. the first Governor of South Australia and his party to Xew South Wales in JSf;.>, lies stranded at the mouth of a New Zealand river. She sank down firmly in the sand .and some of her stout planks of British oak are still standing to mark the scene of the disaster. At The official luncheon at Glenelg on Commemoration Day on Wednesday (says the 'South Australian Register' of December 20). the Mayor of the seaside town, Mr 11. Y. Sparks, announced amidst cheers that he had commissioned two friends to endeavour to ; g-et from the Buffalo sufficient wood to construct a mayoral chair for the towh. which hehopes to have made before be vaca.es bis office. H.M.s. Buffalo was one of the many wooden vessels which went ashore and were abandoned either with or without less of life in ihe earlier years of Xew Zealand colonisation, and to South Australians Mer sturdy old hull possesses the rame sort of interest -which in Engia n 3 attaches to the timbers of Kelson's famous flagship Victory.

Since the Rontgen rays have come into use for taking radiographs of parts of the body, either for amusement or scientific purposes, the new.?papers have reported numerous cases of severe burns and blisters of tho skin, which has been directly exposed to the rays. Dr. Mark Ray Hughes, of St. Louis, announces that he has discovered a remedy for this. By protecting the exposed part with a thin sheet of indiarubber no blisTer or burn results, no matter how long the exposure, and the rubber sheet does not in any way affect the clearness of the radiograph secured. Rubber bandage about 2-?. in. wide is found to be very convenient for this use.

The extraordinary record. 40.8 miles an hour, was made at the second trials of the torpedo boat destroyer Hai Lung, just built at. Elbing, Germany, by the Schicham Works, for the Chinese Government. The runs were made in the open sea, between the lighthouses at Pillan and Brusterort, which are 19 knots apart. The wind was fresh (five by the scale), and there was considerable sea on. The Hai Lung, according to the 'Koinische Zeitung,' traversed The course several Times, the average time for the runs being 32 minutes 28 seconds, which gives a speed of 35.2 knots, or 6S kilometres, or 40.S statute miles. This exceeds by far any speed heretofore made on tbe water.

Here is a funny little anecdote about Mr Rhodes. He has never been noted for excessive modesty, and it is asserted that§the only man who ever got even with him in the matter of personalities was a little German clerk in the Government office at Johannesburg. Rhodes had to stand in line, and be didn't like it (says 'M.A.P.'). He had not been used to standing in line in South Africa, or anywhere else. 'Please attend to me ai once,' he said, T can't wait.' 'When your turn comes, mister,' mumbled 'the clerk. 'Confound you, sir; don't- you know who I am? I'm Rhodes.' :oh, yes, I knew that; but that didn't, worry me,' was the unruffled reply. 'If you* we^e in Cape Town I'd have you discharged in a minute,' roared Mr Rhodes. 'Yes, I have heard that they discharged people in Cape Town for doing their duty,' answered tne clerk; 'but we ain't in Cape Town; this is a Republic!'

The usual Sunday evening service under tbe auspices of the "V.M.C.A. was held last evening in the Opera House. There was a large attendance. Mr W. Brakenrig presided. The Rev. A. Mitchell gave an address, taking his text from I. Timothy, ii. 5, 'For there is oue God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.' Mr Mitchell also sang, 'I Cling to Thee My Saviour.' Miss Alice Rimmer sang a sacred solo.

Our Paparoa correspondent writes: 'Crops of oaten hay are abundant, and settlers are busy harvesting. Caterpillars are doing considerable damage to the cereals. Potato and maize crops are looking well.'

The annual statutory meeting of the Jubilee Institute for" the Blind will be held next Thursday at the office of the Institute, 322, Victoria Arcade, at 3 p.m., for the election of three trustees.

The Friendly Societies have a big draw in Capt,'Lorraine, the balloonist whose marvellous performance at tfife Caledonian Sports on January 2nd was witnessed by a very large throng of people. If the weather prove at all favourable there should be a large attendance at the Friendly Societies' Sports on Saturday, January 21st. Entries will be received for'the sports until Saturday next, at McLeod Bros., Queen-street, and at The Wynyard Arms Hotel. ' '

Mr R. Spreckley, of the Arcade, announces receipt of a supply of the Windsor Magazine' Christmas number, which include fine stories by Kipling, Doyle, Corelli, Crocket, Bret Harte and Meade, and is accompanied by a complete novel entitled 'Phra the Phoenician,' by E.L. Arnold. It- is wonderful value for the price asked

The Melbourne Waxworks Exhibition in the Agricultural Hall still continues to attract a large share of patronage. On Saturday evening the hall was crowded with visitors. The numerous wax figures were inspected with interest, and the side-shows attracted a great deal of attention. An excellent stage .performance Avas given, items being contributed by Miss Warden Messrs John Fuller, Howard Chambers, Will Watkins and Fred Bluett. The performance concluded with the comedy 'The Doctor's Shop.' The exhibition is open day and evening.

[ The following from the 'Berkshire Chronicle' is indicative of certain ar» i rangements which obtain in Merry England:—'William East, a young man, of Binfield Heath, was summoned for being' in arrears of £ 1 2/, under an order ol cained by Joseph Bobin, relieving officer to the Guardians of the Henley Union, by which he was ordered to" pay 2/ weekly towards the support of his father. The defendant stated that he was unable to r.fford the payment. He was only earning 13/ a week, 10/ ol which he paid his sister-in-law 'or food, washing, etc., and 1/ to his father for lodging, so that he only had 2/ a week left. The defendant's* father was in court, and staged that lie did not ask the Guardians for the out-door relief. It trarisoired that the application for the relief was made by Mr Bobin on the instigation of the Rev. R. H. Hart-Davis. Mr Bate, artist, living in the parish, said he had made himself acquainted with the facts of the case. The defendant was blind in one eye. and was not always r.ure of employment, and he said it was impossible, out of a wage of .13/ a week, to pay 2/, which the Guardians wanted hint to pay towards the 2/G allowed to his father. Mr Bafe.asked the magistrate not to pauperise The old man for Gd a week and a loaf. He had lived in the parish for 72 years, and had borne a good character. The Bench dismissed the ease, leaving it to the Guardians to take what action they thought proper with reference to the continuation of the relief.

Yesterday meetings were held at the Salvation Army Barracks, Albertsi., to welcome Colonel and Mrs Estill, the new commanding officers to Xew Zealand. The Auckland, Parnell and Newton corps were in full attendance with their bands, under Bandmaster Gooeh. In the morning and evening* addresses were delivered by Colonel Estill. At the afternoon service an address, based upon the text 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock," was deliveretV by Mrs Estill. Major and Mrs Cain and Captain and Mrs Blake, commanding the local corps, also took part in the services. Colonel and Mrs Estill leave this afternon for Christchurch, the Army's headquarters in New Zealand. This morning- they inspected the social institutions, tha Rescue Home, Prison Gate Brigade and Maternity Home, which are under the care of the Salvation Army. Tha Colonel and bis wife have conre over from Xew South Wales to replace; Colonel and Mrs Hosking.

An enjoyable party was given by the Misses Tutin to their pupils, parents and friends on December 9th. when prizes were awarded with word^ of commendation and encouragement; A very lengthened programme .TO-hE gone through, consisting of songs, pieces, recitations, and also themes-on. the following subjects: 'Flowers,' 'Music.' and 'The Scenery of Xew Zealand/etc. A considerable quantity of fancy and plain needle work was ex? hibited, all giving great credit to both the boarders and day pupils. /

The Sunnyskle Wesleyan Mission Hall. Devonport, was opened yesterday. In the afternoon the service wag conducted by the Bey. H. R. Dbavsbury, chairman of the Auckland district, who preached from St. Matthew y. 12 and 13, 'Rejoice and be exceed ing glad, for great is your reward m heaven.' There was a\ full orchestra* and-a-choir, under Mr Edwin Jones. Another service was held in the evening, when the Rev. C. E. Beecroffc preached.' A ptiblie meeting will be held on Wednesday. January 11, when Mr T. Jackson, M.A., will occupy the chair. Tbe collection on this occasion will be in aid of the building fund; •ior which about £15 is still required to clear the church of debt.

The Mighty Alok, a non-intoxicatino-summer beverage, lately introduced into Ivew Zealand by Messrs Fisher ' and Co., of Sydney, is becoming very popular as a cooling drink during the 1 hot weather. Apart from its thirst- !« quenching properties. Alok is certified '. to be a health-producing, invigorat- J mg drink, and calculated to impart i: to the system vig-our and the power to I withstand fatjgue. Testimonials as V to its efficiency and other particulars will be found on page 7of this issue. 'J

There was a crowded attendance ai .' the Central Mission Hall last evening, ; Miss Alice Rimmer and Mrs J. H. Wood sang solos, and a number of testimonies were given, one by an ex _ racehorse owner "and noted gambler made a deep impression upon those present. 4

The Premier Dramatic Company will appear in St: George's Hall, Xew- I ton, to-night in 'Bombastes Furio^o' An exhibition of weight-lifting, club. I swinging and sword feats will be giveu by Professor Fitzgerald. - ~m

The Rev. W. L. Salter, late of Caver- ' sham Baptist Church, Dunedin, inaugurated his pastorate of the Union Free Church, Wellesley-street, yester- ; day by preaching morning and* evennig to full congregations from Deut. 31 v. 8 and 2 Corinthians 43 v 4 respectively. The sermons were very much appreciated. On Wednesday, January lSth, a special meeting of members and friends will be held to welcome Mr Salter, at which ministers of various denominations will speak.

Court Bros, have received a big- ship- ■'! ment Bee Hive brand of calicoes^ man- I nfactured expressly by Horroeks, ' * Crewdson and Co., the largest and »,cst ": manufacturers in tbe world.—(Ad.-) Jus arrived, large shipment of linoleums per s.s. Star of Victoria, specially, selected, beautiful pattern and colourings; inspection invited— Ton-"Ji son Garlick Co. (Ltd.)—(Ad.) Job purchase art muslins, with a border, very wide, 2|d.—Court Bros., Queen-street and Xewton.—(Ad.) Our country friends and visitors canpurchase their draping and furniture at less than cost price during our removal sale.—D.S.C, City Hall—(Ad.) An enormous job purchase sample hose in ladies' and children's from Cd a pair.—Court Bros.—(Ad.) As for C.S. Corsets;' clock-spring steel practically unbreakable. AUvaH drapers.—(Ad.) La-dies' white sunshades 2/6; chil* -1| dren's from 9d. Xeedle-point umbrellas, 5/11, 6/11.—Court Bros.—(Ad.) 5000 Yards of Print 2fd and 3|d, usual prices 6M and 7|d; Dress Serga. jtf42in. wide, all colours, 6|d per'yardSale now on. D.S.C. City Hall.—(Ad Jj' "Galateas.— 4=d, SJd. ~S.S.S. drill*. 9?d, usual price 1/8. A large assortment of fancy muslins at 6|d.—Court fa Bros.—(Ad.) Floor Cloths, 9Jd and Hid square yard; Linoleums, 1/2 and 1/6 squara t ! yard; 1000 Pairs Lace Curtains, 1/13. '?. Sale now on. D.S.C, City Hall.—(Ad.) .= Just opened some really nice gooda in gents' summer underwear. Siuglet? from 1/3; underpants, 1/6. — Court ~.., Bro S .-(Ad.) . kj