OLD-AGE PENSIONERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 17, 18 December 1935, Page 11

OLD-AGE PENSIONERS

ASSURANCE OF ASSISTANCE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 17. It was announced this evening by the Minister of Pensions (Hon. \\ . E. Parry) that lie had made a careful examination of the proposal to pay a Christmas bonus, but the Treasury had reported that legislation would be required to enable such a bonus to be Pa ‘This means that no action can be taken until after the new Parliament has met,” said the Minister. I want, however, to give my assurance to blind persons, to widows, to old-age pensioners, and invalids who are suffeung as a result of anomalies in the present Pensions Act that they will all benefit in the reconstruction of the pensions law that the Labour Government proposes to bring down in the new year. I T do not underestimate the size of the job,” the Minister continued, “lb is a big one, and I am pleased to have the opportunity of assisting to mould these humanitarian measures which will create the foundation of our future national system of superannuation. This measure will have pride of place in my work in the new year. I am sure, from the kindly messages of goodwill I have received from all parts of New Zealand, that our policy will have the support and co-operation of all those who earnestly desire to see the first step taken toward the abolition of poverty in New Zealand. It is officially estimated that close on £600,000 will be distributed in relief pay and the Christmas bonus to just, under 40.000 registered unemployed throughout New Zealand during the next fortnight. The sum will include this week’s pay and approximately £250,000 as representing the State s Christmas bonus. Officials point out that it was necessary to begin the payment of the first instalment of the bonus at the beginning of this week, because of the extra clerical work involved in making the distribution; for example, over 20,000 men will receive the bonus m the four main urban areas alone. The latest available numbers of the unemployed eligible to receive the bonus in the principal metropolitan centres are as follow Auckland, 7600; Christchurch, 6100; Wellington, 4800; Dunedin, 2200. So far no returns of the number of unemployed women who are eligible to receive the Government’s Christmas bonus are available, but it appears that the total will not be high.