Old-age Pensions

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 182, 30 April 1936, Page 7

Old-age Pensions

Sir, —In the interests of old-age pensioners one cannot refrain from protesting against the present actions of Ministers of the Crown when contrasting them with their pre-election promises of pension increases. When enunciating the Government’s policy the Minister of Pensions laid great stress upon the increases to be made in the near future, and both he and,Mr. Savage stated that old-age pensions would be substantially increased. The Prime Minister made the concrete promise that pensioners would be provided with sufficient increase to enable tfiem to live a full life and enjoy peace and comfort in their declining years. Now comes the reported statement of the Minister of Pensions that (‘any bite” from the Exchequer as a first instalment is contingent upon the financial position of the Dominion. As an addendum the Minister states that there are other matters, equally necessitous, such as health, etc., to be considered, before pensions are increased. I suggest sir, that it is the bounden duty of the State to place old-age pensions in first order of preference for financial provision, as promised. Who was it that blazed the trail in this country, over 65 years ago, and made it the country it is to-day? Did not these pioneers give their sons in the South African War and the Great War to uphold the right - and dignity of the Empire? Your many readers will ponder over the relegation of the preference to old-age pensioners, and will await with interest the explanation of the Government. It

behoves the Prime Minister to honour the party promises and carry out to the full its solemn pledges.—l am, etc., A. AVERY. Lower Hutt, April 26.