OLD AGE PENSIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVIII, Issue 11462, 28 December 1897, Page 3

OLD AGE PENSIONS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sty,— At this indignation meeting the other night Mr Ben Tillett, by way of illustration, quoted a Yorkshire farmer as saying to his son, “ Got it honestly if you can, but. get it.” lam a orkshireman, and happen to know' that this saying originated close upon one hundred and fifty years ago in connection with a lawyer’s office at Hedon, in which I myself was a clerk fifty-seven years ago. It originated in this way: Henry Wateriand, attorney-at-law, before relinquishing his hold of this world said, by way of advice to his articled clerk, who was to succeed to his business, “Iveson, get it honestly if you can, but get it.” It is doubtful to me, knowing the result of tins advice, whether the quotation by Mr Tillett was.an apt one. —I am, Ac., *VVM. PARKER. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— After observing the narrow-minded selfish words and actions of certain members opposing the old ago pensions, I notice the most bitter opponents are composed mostly of Conservatives representing the wealthy. I regret that I supported and helped to elect a member of the Opposition. The reason why I did so was because I do not think it desirable or proper' for a member of Parliament to be connected with foreign _ syndicates or companies. I feel convinced, however, that men who have shown such petty meanness in opposing the old age pension will not hesitate to join any syndicate or means to acquire wealth and position. Our own member professed to be iu favour of a scheme for the reward of an honest hub unsuccessful life. Well where will you draw the line ? Apparently only tho righteous and good can hope to receive a pension. Now, I have the authority of God’s word that there are none righteous or good; no, not one. If the ueople had been severe, or scrutinised the private life of candidates, how many would have been found faultless, or worthy to be a member of Parliament ? It has become a proverb that money will cover a multitude of misdeeds, and while not approving Mr Seddon’s connection with a syndicate, there aro many who would do the same if they had a chance. I say to those who attack Mr Seddon’s character, “ Let him that is without fault cast the first stone.” —I am, &0., > OBSERVER. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The universal opinion throughout New Zealand is that tho Old Age Pensions Bill is one of tho wisest, and best Acts of legislation brought in by the Seddon Ministry, and which has been fully recognised by the Legislative Assembly, and is the voice of the people. Seeing that it is the earnest desire of all classes of the community that it should pass, I cannot understand why the Council should seek to throw it out. Is it because they have ample means of their own that they cannot understand why poor old men should in their declining years of life be assisted, or is it heartless feeling of want of sympathy for those in distress? Surely the Council was not established to trample upon and injure the poorer classes. —I am, &c., *IXION. Dec. 14,1897.

TO THE EDITOB, Sib, —It seems we are about to have an old age pension, to enable people who cannot accept common charity to receive something out of the same boiling as a right. Now, I think that people whose pride prevents them accepting charity in plain form would not accept the pension if that pride was a reality. As to the aged having a right to it, it is nonsense to my mind. Instead of children keeping their parents, as the law compels them to, every Tom, Dick and Harry will have to contribute towards their support, , while their own children will be saved performing their duty. If the pension become an assured thing it will do away with all thrift among the working classes. At the scale wages are at at present they can never hope to save more than an equal to the pension, and if said pension is a certainty they will live up to their incomes like their betters. Advocate no drink, no vice, no gambling, and yet encourage it! —l am, <fcc., HENCEFORTH SPENDTHRIFT.

TO THE EDITOB. Sib, —It is to be sincerely hoped that the influenza will not attack any friends of the Pensions for the Aged Bill in the Upper House. But if, on the other hand, the Lord in His mercy should see fit to lay some of the enemies of this great humane measure low, or even remove them to a higher sphere, then the poor old men and women, who are like myself, nearly dying with suspense, will be able to say with all sincerity, “ His great will bo done,” —I am, &0., VERY ANXIOUS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —You state in your article on the Old Age Pensions Bill that “ it remains to he seen whether or not the electors of the colony will quietly submit to the defeat of their expressed wish by a body of gentlemen who are altogether out of sympathy with public opinion. We shall be greatly disappointed if they do not insist upon steps being- taken at once to remove every obstacle from the path of a beneficent reform.” Might I ask you how electors can help themselves in the matter, seeing that the papers —which of course belong to the moneyed class —have refused to insert the views of the people’s will. I do not belong to any society myself, but would he happy to attend an indignation meeting should one be held. But how we—that is, the general public—are to agitate without the help of the papers, is more than I can understand. —I am, &c„ ABOLISH M.L.C.’s.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —May I ask could not the Old Age Pensions Bill be submitted to the referendum ? Of course, as it is not a Banking Bill, or a Bill to remove taxation from unfortunate squatters, I don’t suppose it will be re-introduced this session, 1 do not envy the feelings of the opponents, whether in the Upper or Lower House, who have killed the Pensions Bill, and who havo-dashed to pieces tho hopes held out to , enraged poor.—l am, &c. DISGUSTED.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sib, —Your leader of Wednesday points ■out that the “Legislative Council abandoned the absurd contention of old age pensions destroying the industry, thrift, and self-denial of the great mass of the people.” No -wonder! Has it over been suggested that the certainty of a pension to any great public servant has prevented his ? If a pension agrees with the loftiness of their character, and causes no deterioration, is it not worth the trial with age ? .Have we not need to echo Burns—

Let us pray that come it may, as-come it shall for a' that, "When man an* man, the warl* o'er, shall brithers be for a’ that. If “they have, for the time achieved their purpose,” it remains to he seen whether the electors of the colony will not also achieve theirs. —I am &c., A WOMAN.