PENSIONS CHANGES.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 222, 18 September 1919, Page 8

PENSIONS CHANGES.

GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING THEM. MEMBERS DISSATISFIED. (Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, Wednesday., The suggested increase in the old age pension to £1 a week was put to Mr. W. H. Berries, Minister of Pensions, by Mr. T. M. Wilford. The Minister, in reply, said that the intention of the Government with regard to old age pensions would be announced in the Financial Statement. Regarding reciprocity with Australia and old age pension reciprocity, an Act was passed in New Zealand in 1913. This will be brought into operation immediately the Commonwealth Government passes a similar statute. The Miinister also announced that the question of raising the present £200 income limitation in respect of National Provident Fund benefits is under consideration. Answering Mr. Glovers suggestion that the law be amended to provide for pensions under the Pensions Act to orphan children when a widow dies before application has been granted, Mr. Herries (Minister of Pensions) said the question of pro-, viding pensions for orphan children is at present receiving the attention of the (Jovernment. The Minister mentioned, in reply to Mr. Mander, that the question of providing for widows' pensions, irrespective of length of residence in New Zealand, is being considered in conjunction 'with other proposed amendments of the Pensions Act, 1013, relating to widows' and children's pensions.

Several members expressed dissatisfaction over the Government's indefinite replies to their questions. Mr. Herries explained that the answers were not a positive refusal, but the Government did not desire to raise liaise hopes of anything' being done durimg the short session. The Government wa:i sympathetic with superannuated Publis Servants, but it would have to draw the line somewhere. There were plenty of other retired persons suffering equal hardships owing to the high cost of living, so any general scheme was a big proposition.

Dr. Thacker: £30,000 would do it. Mr. Hemes: T think it would cost more. A new Parliament with a mandate from tbe people is the proper body to raise pensions, superannuation, and the general welfare of the people. Dr. Thacker: Hake the leap, and you will probably get back. It's your only chance. (Laughter.) Hr. Herries: It is quite possible it may be the programme. The Hon. J. B. 1-line (the new Minister of Internal Affairs) stated that lie was getting a departmental report on the position of superannuated Public Servants under present economic conditions, though he could not promise legislative j action this session.