BENEFITS FOR WOMEN?

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 69, 18 September 1937, Page 8

BENEFITS FOR WOMEN?

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I would like to record a strong protest against the Government speaker, who (through the radio) told New Zealand women that, when the Labour Party took office it found a people whose outlook was degraded below anything ever before found in New Zealand. Then we heard the old old story how much that outlook had been appreciated by the present Government's legislation. Apparently, the speaker cannot realise that poverty does not necessarily mean degradation. I, with others, weathered the depression with difficulty, but I justly resent such remarks as quoted above. They are wholly ridiculous! For myself, a working woman, the present Government's legislation has been disastrous. Because of the nature of my work I am compelled to live in a small flat—and have been occupying the same flat for the past five years. During the past nine months my rent has been increased twice —to an extra 4s weekly—reason, Government legislation and increased rates. Application to the inspector proving fruitless, I attempted to obtain a cheaper placo without avail.

Why is it that private landlords owning houses are prevented by law from making such increases, while large companies owning Hats are protected, and can increase their rents without restriction? The effect of such protection is seen today in Wellington by the blocks of fiats being built everywhere by private companies—flats, not houses —let the Government note. • Have our legislators forgotten the cheap flat dweller? Isn't he or she entitled to protection just as much as the house tenant? Why this glaring anomaly?

Women have long memories! We were "promised" so much. Whilst compelled to contribute to the unemployment funds we still receive no benefits such as are enjoyed by the single man if unemployed. We still pay sales and wages tax in a period when we might reasonably hope to be able to again build up our savings towards provision for old age! But those hopes are again shattered! I, in common with all other thinking business women, am apprehensive of what the future holds for us if the present state of taxation continues. We do not want national superannuation, a pension, or charity, but only the right to be able to save a little of our savings and to be independent.—l am, etc.,

NOT HOPELESS,