PAYING OUT PENSIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 251, 22 October 1926, Page 5

PAYING OUT PENSIONS.

A SAT IH COURT

SCANT ACCOMMODATION.

Whenever there is a gathering of old settlers, some of the speakers make a point about "these grand old pioneers of the Empire," and the people go away with a glow of pleasure at being so recognised. At the invitation of Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P., a representative of the Auckland "Star" visited the building in which the Pension Court was sitting to-day. It was well the Court was '-sitting," for there was very little j accommodation in that line for the "grand old pioneers of the Empire" who were waiting to interview the magistrate. Inquiry elicted the fact that seventy persons had been notified to attend, but that does not include * all who came, for many of the old people are so feeble that relatives have to accompany thtin. The room in which the interviews with the magistrate took place is perhaps 16 by 14 feet, and there was quite a crowd waiting. In the anteroom there were ten chairs, two forms against the wall, and another pulled out with no back for the old people to lean against. There were, however, some compensations, for in the wailing room were artificial limbs worth examining, also a pile of old account books, which made a seat for one person. The passage outside, about three feet wide, wa» crowded with people standing, while waiting their turn to be interviewed. Others were seated on the steps leading to the street, and one old man was accommodated with a seat on what looked like a rubbish tin.

Mr. Jordan remarked that it was a pity the Court was held in a, building up a side street, away from boats, buses, railways, and trams. He also seemed to think that the accommodation for these oil* people, who would have to wait an hour or more might he a little more comfortable without a charge of too much luxury being incurred.