SIXTY AND OVER

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 110, 5 November 1935, Page 8

SIXTY AND OVER

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I would like to endorse the sentiments of your correspondents "Wellwisher" and "Great Hopes" on the: manner in which adult labour is being flung on the scrap heap. There is apparently a movement on the waterfront to displace men who have reached the age of 60 years, thereby imposing great hardship on a number of men whose only fault is that they have attained to the age of 60 years. Most of these men have followed this work for a number of years and look to it as their only source of livelihood; they are quite capable of doing the work and still have their obligations, as married men to meet. Apparently there is no consideration being given to circumstances or ability; in the majority of cases' those given the work are single men with little experience and no responsibilities. I think with "Well-wisher" and "Great Hopes" that something should be done to check this movement before it becomes a tragedy.—l am, etc., -A WATERSIDER. (To the Editor.) Sir, —After reading the letter of "Great Hopes" in last evening's issue regarding adult and boy labour.it occurred to me that a factor in connection with unemployment has been overlooked by your correspondents. At the present time there are many of mature years who are. still working despite the fact that they have had over forty years' service and are able to retire on superannuation allowances. Having had steady employment for many years at good remunerations they are in a position to supplement their superannuation allowances and there is therefore no reason from a pecuniary point of view why they should not retire and allow others not so fortunately placed to move up and make way for others, including unemployed youths. If unemployment was not acute the position would not be so bad, but as matters are their attitude, to say the least, is most selfish.—l am, etc.,

OBSERVANT.