THE PENSION INCREASE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 55, 3 September 1934, Page 8

THE PENSION INCREASE

The greatest protest against any single item in the Budget appears to be directed at the distinction made between old lage pensioners and civil servants in apportioning the relief which the Government feels it can give. The pensioners are to receive 5 per cent, from October 1, and the civil servants and others charged on the Budget who suffered both the first and the second cut will have 5 per cent, from April 1. We cannot agree that the protests are all logical. The Government employees have had greater cuts^. than the pensioners, ranging from approximately 15 to 22-£ per,cent. Moreover, as the Minister of Finance has pointed out, the Government has a first duty to be just to its employees. Nevertheless, the pension cannot be regarded wholly as a State bounty. To many of the recipients (though this cannot, of course, apply to all) it is a recognition of pioneer service to the country. Viewing the whole case, however, we think that the Government would be meeting the wishes of the country if it allowed its heart to guide it in this, matter. Neither our pension system nor the economies forced upon various classes are so logical that it is necessary now to stick strictly to logical justice. The net cost of the Budget of the Public Service'grant will be £380,000 (in lower receipts and 'added expenditure) and of '--the pension grant £34,000. As the Minister of Lands holds that, the Budget revenue estimates are conservative and the returns will probably be much greater, the Government, having gone so far, can afford to risk going a little further so that pensioners also may have a little back pay.