WAR WIDOWS' POSITION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 110, 12 May 1939, Page 8

WAR WIDOWS' POSITION

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The women of New Zealand are j at last taking action and putting their cases before our Prime Minister. The section I wish to represent is the war " ; widow. Twenty-five years ago our I little country said "Go" to our bravest and best, "we will take care of your dependants." Did they? At this'time the allowance and pension was little enough—los each child—but with the same spirit we carried on. Years past,! children' grew, needs grew also with J education and usual and unusual sickness to be met. The careful mother had a task, even with a small bank balance to draw upon and be cheerful into the bargain. Time has passed, her years too, and in many cases health. What of her position today with the cost of living up, and still going up? | Does the country realise at what cost ito these women we remained a British colony? To add to their troubles the 5s registration and ls in the £ has to be paid—if they possess even a few pounds (to pay their "last" dues) in the Savings Bank. How can these women find employment? Or are they too old? Many would be willing and well able but methods are different and so I ask our Prime Minister, How are we to meet our difficulties? —I am, etc., ABLE BUT 25 YEARS OLDER W. WIDOW.