SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28222, 9 March 1957, Page 3

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Sir,—Let me inform “Humble Harry" and his supporters (because it is quite evident they do not know) Michael Savage told Walter Nash when social security was introduced that everybody—and he meant everybody—had to pay tax if the scheme was to succeed. The A.S.R.S. moved in immediately to try to protect superannuitants from double tax, but received the same answer: “Everybody must be in.” I would in turn remind “Socially Bankrupt" that the same gentleman instituted universal superannuation to be fair to those paying tax who did not qualify for age benefits. It was the present Government which doubled it. Came the war. followed by the creation of sufficient "puny capitalists" who soon forgot the depression Labour had rescued them from and voted National. They have regretted it and next election will witness the culmination of their unrest.—Yours, etc., TOM BRYCE. March 8, 1957.

Sir, —“Satisfied" said: Why blame the Government? I blame the Government for making promises and breaking them. Too many are drawing money out of social security who do not need it. Some beneficiaries have a 10-bob double in the hope of getting a new suit, their only hope. I have not seen beneficiaries drunk for a long time. —Yours, etc.. OVER SEVENTY. March 6, 1957.