OLD AGE PENSIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 14

OLD AGE PENSIONS.

Let us hope your correspondent "Rara Avis" is a rare bird among the recipients of the State's bounty. For mys&lf, being in the fortunate position of having to pny but a peppercorn rent, I find the half a crown per day ample to supply the needs of an octogenarian who neither smokes nor drinks. My commissariat bill does not exceed lO.jd, and as man does not live liv bread alone, the odd three halfpence goes for the daily paper. The privilege of a year's subscription to the public lending library for half a crown is mine, and is gratefully accepted. Reading and a little gardening are all the recreation I want. We elders should show the younger peoiple an example of thrifty living. The Labour party, while in Opposition, possibly did say that the old age pension should be 23/ per week, and if the prices of commodities go up, as they almost certainly will, that sum may not be enough. We have it from the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry, that a national scheme of insurance against sickness, accident and indigence in old age i.s on the stocks, so I counsel patience. For the first time in New Zealand's history a political party is in power which makes the temporal welfare of the common people its chief concern. Whether the revolutionary legislation already passed and that contemplated will be for the people's benefit is problematical, and whether the people will make a good use of their better condition is also a matter of doubt. •ALEXANDER ERASER. I think it is about time the Labour Government did something for the old age people. They have been in power now seven months, and all I can see that they have done is to have made it much harder for us old people. The winter months are 011 us, and we cannot get a decent meal or enough warm blankets to keep life in us. We did not get anything extra for Christmas. I thought we would be the first to be helped, but all we have got is higher prices for bread and all food that we cannot do without. What does Mr. Parry intend doing with us ? Are we to seek charity in our old days ? Labour was all against that before they got in power. FAIR PLAY. Increases in pensions are to be provided for in legislation to be introduced when the Parliamentary session is resumed. —Ed.