THE FAMILY BENEFIT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21977, 22 March 1946, Page 2

THE FAMILY BENEFIT

Sir, —I have read with much interest the articles recently published in different papers regarding the family benefit. I find now that a scheme is . ifoot to Claim it for the war widows. Neing a war widow myself, I heartily .i gree with this, but again would also ,ike to see the civilian widows receive the same amount. Surely there n’t so very much difference in us. ,’e have both lost our husbands and ive a family to rear. This cannot be ■no on 10s per week. Don’t you think woman who has lost her husband i‘serves all the help the State can ; :ve her to bring up her family, in the manner in which they would have been iad their father been bringing in his veekly wage? The cost of living is on he increase; yet there is no distinction n class when it comes to purchasing ■ rticles. A widow has to scrape and druggie for the same article which icr more fortunate sister can purchase without any worry.' It is impossible to feed and clothe a child on 10s per week. A friend of mine has a son at high school. When the term commenced. his books alone cost over £2, shorts were 19s 6d. shirt 15s (id, sandals 15s 0(1, sox 5s (id—a total of £4 10s, or nearly JO weeks’ allotment. If a person can receive only one pension. why not increase the child’s pension? Be fair about it. If the family benefit is to be a “benefit” I say give it to all. WAR WIDOW.