INVALIDITY PENSIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 236, 5 October 1936, Page 6

INVALIDITY PENSIONS.

I should like to know who is to benefit under the provisions made for payment of the invalidity pension. As I read the Pensions Amendment Act, those persons who are permanently incapacitated are eligible. Bui an individual's chance of receiving this pension evidently depends upon the way in which the various doctors appointed read the Act. Thus some doctors will recommend a person who is unfit for work offering in Xew Zealand. Others, read into the Act the word "total" and to persons presenting themselves for examination have stated that they can recommend only those persons who are < totally and permanentlyincapacitated. These persons fall into two, classes, (a) those who are bedridden and too ill to work even with their hands, and (b) those metital defectiv&s who are bad enough to be classed as imbeciles. 'Now at least 90 per cent of these persons are already being cared for, in State institutions, and the problems of food, clothing and shelter do not worry them at all. Surely those cripples or others suffering from ill-health, persons for whom no provision has previously been made, have some rights under this Act. During the general election campaign members of the present Government stated that those who were unable to work would be provided for. The present Minister of Pensions, in my hearing, stated that if the Labour party were returned work would be provided for all ablebodied people; for those unable to work pensions would be provided. If a person is unfit, or because of some physical disability is unable to find work in New Zealand, surely he should be eligible. If it is the intention of the Government to give the pension only to those who are totally incapacitated, the only result will be that instead of the Health Department footing the bill for the infirmaries and mental institutions throughout the country, this will be done by the Pensions Department. Meanwhile those persons who have-been dependent on' the charitable aid boards for food and shelter, but who have not had the wherewithal to buy blankets, clothes, etc., are no better off than before; in fact they will be worse off, as the price of food is rising rapidly and they will get less on theif orders. QUERY.

There is a tremendous lot of talk about the humanitarian legislation of the Labour Government, especially the invalidity pension. The bill was passed about the third of this month, but what about the pay-out? The estimated yearly cost is £1,105,000, so that from July 1 to date a quarter of that amount is now due. It is, of course, a big scheme, involving a medical examination; nevertheless, a statement from the Prime Minister when one is likely to receive liis first cheque would be much appreciated. WINDY.