War Pensions

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29336, 15 October 1960, Page 3

War Pensions

Sir,—lt appears that Mr Connolly wants to ignore the main principles of my letters. In my previous letter I wanted to know why the 100 per cent disabled soldier is not recognised in the rise. For those in employment and receiving a part pension, that is their concern; but for myself and many others classed 100 per cent unfit there should be an increase in the basic allowance. I hope Mr Connolly’s successor will appreciate what the Digger meant to him. All we want is justice.— Yours, etc, 1914-18. October 13, 1960. Sir,—l appreciated your leading article in today’s issue. I was surprised to see that there are 26,061 soldiers receiving a permanent, war pension to the extent of £3,221,637. This averages a miserable £123 12s 4d a year, or £2 8s weekly, and it is no wonder that war pensioners are crying out for an increase. The Minister of Pensions promised some time ago that war pensions would be reviewed, and surely in view of the above he will get busy and honour his promise.—Yours, etc, 1914-1918 DIGGER. October 13, 1960. Sir,—ln your issue of October 11 Mr Connolly’s reply was that the pension is not related to economic circumstances. Can Mr Connolly explain why the basic disability pension has been raised by successive governments from £2, in 1916, to £4 10s as at present? One of the worst features is that the public believe that this pension has. along with others, received the latest 5s rise.—Yours, etc, ANZAC. October 12, 1960. Sir,—It was indeed heartening to read the editorial in “The Press” in support of the claim for an increase in the war disability pension. It is clear the Government is following a deliberate policy of progressive repudiation of the war disability pension. All wages and pensions (with the sole exception of war disability) are increased periodically to compensate for the continuously declining value of the pound. The Parliamentarian's income has never been overlooked. In 1918, when this was £6 weekly, the total war disability pension was £2 weekly, or one-third. The Parliamentarian's income is now £2OOO a year for city members, with £3OO additional for country members. Had the war disability pension been increased commensurately it would be nearly £l4 a week today instead of £4 10s. As your correspondent remarked, the Government is no friend of those suffering disability resulting from their service to the country. —Yours, etc, 1914-18 No. 2. October 13, 1960..