WAGE INCREASES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22954, 24 May 1949, Page 4

WAGE INCREASES

Sir, —Once more I read of another increase in wages (salary increases in the State service). What about the widows? They receive the magnificent sum of £3 10s per week plus, 10s for each child.

With the ever-increasing cost of living it is almost impossible to feed, clothe and educate the children. Then, there are repairs to the home if it is owned by the widow. These are impossible. Therefore, the home must fall to pieces.

Widows are allowed to earn £7B a year. Anything over this amount is taken off their pension. With young children to care for a widow can not afford to give up the pension and take a well-paid position. Should the children take sick the mother must stay at home and care for them.

Here are the prices of just a few of the necessary things for a little girl of six years; Slippers, 8s 9d a pair; plain black shoes 27s 9d pair; warm overcoat, £4 to £5 10s; and rain-coat £3 2s 6d. Surely, it is time something was done about a pension increase.

WEARY WIDOW.”