RECIPROCAL PENSIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 144, 19 June 1937, Page 8

RECIPROCAL PENSIONS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Now that pension schemes are being reconstructed the matter of rec^irocal pensions should be considered. All New Zealand pensioners, except old age pensioners, may draw their pensions abroad, subject to. a 2* per cent, deduction. Why cannot-old age pensioners return to their native lands if they wish to do so? It may be impossible to carry this out fully at present, but a start might be made. New Zealand-born people now resident in Australia might be allowed their pension in New Zealand, and Australianborn given theirs in Australia, a settlement being arranged between their respective Governments. The rate of exchange between these two countries presents no difficulties. Later on this movement might be extended to the British Isles and finally between all parts of the British Empire. Old people generally have relatives in their native land who may be willing to help to support them but cannot bear the whole expense of doing so. It would certainly enhance the happiness of the old age pensioners if they had the option of returning to their native land.—l am, etc.,' GENIAL AUTUMN.