RE THE OLD AGE PENSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 31, 7 February 1899, Page 2

RE THE OLD AGE PENSION.

(To the Editor.)

Sir—ln your issue of 26th January I noticed a letter signed 'W. Leys' respecting the above pension, in which he said: 'I fail to see why anyone should be ashamed of receiving that which he is - justly entitled to.' In support of this contention he refered to the Government Official Handbook containing the names of persons now receiving pensions from the Government, and expressed a hope that no more will be heard of imaginary grievances. Permit me to say, on behalf of those persons refraining from sending in their just claims, that the circumstances surrounding the granting of the above pensions are hardly parallel with such as those referred to in my letter kindly published in your issue of the 24th January), inasmuch as in the one case there is no magisterial investigation in a public court of justice, nor are names, etc., made public through the press, as in the case of the old people's pension. Few people see or know anything of the Handbook. Of course, it must be conceded that strict investigation is necessary, but what object or benefit can be served by publishing the names or circumstances of those to whom the pension is awarded? On the other hand, it must deter—to say nothing about having to appear in court, and especialy so to females—many people who have moved in good positions from claiming the pension, rather than accept . it at the cost of their necessity 'and private affairs becoming known, and in .' which the public caft have no interest. Surely, sir, the sensitiveness, preju-' dices, or imaginary grievances of people should be respected rather than they should be debarred from claiming the aid they are justly entitled to receive.—l am, HUMANITY.