PENSIONS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 18 July 1923, Page 5

PENSIONS.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORT.

PROPOSED INCREASE

(Br TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, July 17. The Hon. v. «j. Anderson oroaght dowii tne .report ot the i/fensions lkpartment.

On tiie motion that it be printed, Mr T. M. Wiliord (Leader ot the Opposition) said that one of the principles for which, his party stood was a eump:eU> revision ot the pensions system, a revision which will piace an pensioners and recipients of superannuation on-a. basis which, had some regard rto the cost of living. What was needed, was a comprehensive measure' which granted pensioners adequate pensions, and he thought that ±*arliament should have an opportunity this session oi considering tins important matter.

Mr P. Eraser .( Wellington Central) said this was the most important social subject which the House coulfd discuss. -He understood that to lift widows' pensions to the level of epidemic widows' pensions would require only £10O,(XJO. RLe used the word advisedly only, because that comparatively small expenditure would place every_ widow beyoed the reach of semi-starvation. He hoped Parliament would not adjourn until it at least had this measure to its credit. Messrs Buddo, Wright, Poland, McKeen, Monteith, ¥. J. Rolleston, Ransom, Armstrong, T. W. Rhodes, Paxry, Sidey, Harris, Uartram and Smith, aii of whom pointed out anomalies, urged the consolidation of the present Acts. The Minister for Defence, referring to the cases of military pensions, as quoted by members, said the Pensions Board was a statutory board, and he could not interfere with or dictate to jt- He had great personal sympathy with many cases brought under his notice, but all he could do was to ask the board to reconsider its decision as he had no power to interfere. He proposed to introduce legislation th-:fe session which, if passed, would have the effect of increasing the cost of military pensions hy £6000 annually. The Hon. G. J. Anderson, in reply, reminded the House that, during ttU no-confidence debate he told the House he proposed, during the re§ess: to revise, the whole pensions legislation. At the same, time he pointed out that it w#uld cost about five millions annually to give everyone pensions, and that was simply absurd, to his mind. The solution of the problem would be found in some form of contributory pension. So far as anomalies were concerned, great care would be necessary to remove them and not create others. If they attempted to do it this session they might as well give up all idea <ff the Premier <n>mg Home, and, in the end, they could only make a- mess of it. It was not- a matter that could be rushed. ihe motion that the report be printed was agreed to.