HELP FOR THE AGED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29368, 22 November 1960, Page 11

HELP FOR THE AGED

As a married man with four children, and a returned serviceman as well as a union representative, I feel I have a full understanding of the needs of the people of Sydenham. I feel a deep affinity with people of small means and have worked for many years to improve their lot in life.

While I am concerned that the producers of our goods receive their fair return for their labours, my main concern is that the people—the workers, the pensioners, the sick and the needy—nave the money to buy the goods that are produced, without being forced into everlasting debt. Wha l a boon to the shopkeepers to have people with money to buy their goods without ever-increasing hire purchase or other deferred means of payment. I will not rest until families both young and old are in the position to own their own car. home and all those things which go to make life pleasant without a lifetime of debt. “First Step’’ The Social Credit policy is the first step in that direction. We are pledged to reduce taxation, reduce the cost of living (and dying too), reduce the cost of production in two years or resign—this is something which has never been done before—plus the many other benefits of our policy Beer, tobacco, etc., will go back to 1957 prices, wages will be £22 a week free of all tax for a married man with four children. A single man earning £lO a week will receive at least an extra £l2 in his take home pay, and there will be much more for those with large families and high incomes. What a help it will be to the elderly -folk to have a 10s rise in pension and the right to work if they wish without having theii pension cut down. I know this is far too little, but at least it is a start in the riglr direction. I will fight for pensioners to be exempt from paying rates. Surely they have paid enough by the time they are 60 This should be possible under a Social Credit policy. Our free travel warrant on Governmentowned road and rail services outside holiday periods for age beneficiaries will allow them to visit their family and friends anywhere in New Zealand and enjoy their well-earned retirement. The lot of the old people has not been a happy one in the past, they have given their labour to help provide many of the amenities which we now enjoy only to find they are almost a forgotten people. Miss Howard holds no hope for the old folk and has stated: “Social security is stretched to the limit already.”

If elected I will serve all sections of the people to the limit of my ability. I will be available at all times to the people and will endeavour to carry out their wishes. I would be grateful for your support.