SPARTAN LIVING.

Auckland Star, 2 September 1933, Page 12

SPARTAN LIVING.

"Age Limit," in Tuesday's "Star," says he could get on his feet again and employ others, but no one will lend. Like him, I am on the ecrap heap, but am a capitalist and landowner (£SO section and shack). I would willingly lend to "Age Limit"!! lending meant loan that would be repaid. I have probably led a less luxurious life than "Age Limit." and am still living at about the same standard that he describes as being provided for himself and his wife, as I wish to postpone as long as possible being faced with the choice between suicide or dependence on charitable aid. I still have an oldfashioned prejudice against being a charge on the community, although my simple life is made still simpler by having to contribute to State aid for others. What remains of my savings is still in the bank. Fortunately, it is not invested in a house, so I am not expected to pay (except indirectly) for free accommodation for some family that can't, or won't, pay. I could, therefore, take £200 from the bank and hand it to "Age Limit." The remaining £100 would be enough for me to live on for some years —barring accidents and other unforeseen setbacks. As I am not destitute and am not an accomplished liar, I have to pay all medical expenses myself or go without. But would "Age Limit" start paying back the loan when my retained £100 is exhausted? For one thing, he has a wife (a luxury I have never been able to achieve). If he has any children they are probably old enough to be doing something for him now, though that is by the way.. Recent legislation protpcte the borrower from fulfilling obligations entered into by himself, and besides that, a body of public opinion would consider it very mean of me to expect a man to deprive his wife of any comfort merely to keep a promise and repay a loan. It is no wonder that, as "Age Limit" says, no one will lend nowadays. C.C.M.