PENSIONS FOR THE AGED

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 109, 11 May 1938, Page 10

PENSIONS FOR THE AGED

Discussing the Government's superannuation plans, "N.Z." expresses the view that had the name of pension been retained instead of superannuation, there .would have been no objection to the proposal to increase the old age pension by 7s 6d a week. The correspondent believes that pensions should be paid only to those in need and suggests that those disappointed over the means test should comfort themselves by regarding the pension as a reserve, to be drawn on should the need arise. Contributors to existing superannuation schemes, -he states, are in exactly the same position as those who have taken out life insurance policies or have made other investments for .themselves and their dependants and any concession made to them would have to be made to all thrifty people. Investments in superannuation funds, the correspondent states, are subsidised by the taxpayer and by the general public, whether State or private. He maintains that the old principle of equal rights for all has been broken in favour of civil servants and other contributors to superannuation funds at the eipense of the general public. The correspondent finally suggests that a much more generous pension could have been provided if the health service proposals, •which appear to be expensive and unj popular, had been dropped.