Social Security

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29145, 4 March 1960, Page 3

Social Security

Sir, —A. F. Palmer says that the present Government is giving the aged poor an increased benefit. There is no legislation to that effect. From March 31, 1960, the Government is committed to pay the over 65 married couple £4 a week each; there is no provision for increases to the age beneficiary or the war pensioner. Both these classes received a percentage bonus in line with the recent cost-of-living increase to workers but this payment covers the period up to March 31 only. Why not a straight-out increase? Probably because the Arbitration Court award upset calculations. Legislation had already provided that universal superannuation will merge with the age benefit as from March 31. at £8 each couple. Now what? Will the figure be raised to £8 10s or will age beneficiaries be left lamenting and remain on the old maximum? Mr Palmer would present the Government as an up-to-date Santa Claus; it would pay increased pension to the indigent if the people willed it so. However, this being election year anything might happen.—Yours, etc.. R. W. ANDERSON. Timaru, March 1, 1960.

Sir.—When the hundred million social security, the biggest bullock in the team, was brought up at the last half-hour of Parliament, most of the members were asleep, and the press reporters gave a very poor write-up. They gave 46 times more about useless dogs, and the late Minister of Finance, who was on his toes all through, was like the man from Snowy river; he never shifted in his seat. The ball was going his way. Why is it so hard to get the fair dinkum about social security? The Ministers said £2 a week was the statutory income exemption for the means test benefits. I say it is £3 for those over 65. —Yours, etc., FAR BACK DAN. March 2. 1960.