PENSIONERS AND AWARDS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 119, 20 April 1942, Page 4

PENSIONERS AND AWARDS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir.—l read with interest the letter by "Ex-Digger" in Friday's "Standard"' regarding wages, costs, etc., but I wonder why amongst others he did not mention the "old brigade.". I refer to the long-suffering silent class, the pensioners who seem to have been entirely forgotten since the great-hearted statesman. M. J. Savage, of honoured memory passed away. Now we see this class—many of them founded the prosperity of this country as pjoneers; many of them have seen service in more than one battle front in different war zones—just cast aside like an old rag. No one seems to think them worth while, but the engineering trades, freezing workers, docksiders, etc., some of whom are only getting a paltry £lO or £l2 per week, are still having more added to their income by awards, bonuses, etc. Yet £1 10s 'is considered to be enough for-the "old brigade" who have to pay as much as the highly paid class pay for their bread and butter and meat (if any). Consider for a moment if these people have to pay rent or even a room and allow a little for sickness, food, clothing, light, and warmth. How in the name of heaven can they carry on ? Let us at least show a little grhtitude for their services in the past and at least give them equalitv with other classes.— I am, etc., IMPERATRIX.