Correspondence

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 81, 6 April 1938, Page 6

Correspondence

No More “Root Hog Or Die ” in New Zealand (To the Editor.) Sir, —Although I heartily disagree with most of the policy of the present Government, I thins we should be fair enough to give credit where credit is due, and admit that the national superannuation and health scheme will be a very fine piece of social legislation if it works. It seems extremely complicated on paper, but 1 should like to remind the public that schemes that look well on paper rarely work well. When my child was too ill to move on one occasion I sent for a doctor. His one visit cost £5 ss. That is one reason why we need cars in the country. We have to bundle uji our sick and convey them to a doctor, who usually gives a vague diagnosis and tells us to bring the unfortunate patient in again in a day or two. Is it any wonder that we wait till we are certain an illness is serious before we get medical aid? Further, the country household is at various times besieged by insurance agents who hold up all work on the place while they explain the complicated ramifications of their wretched policies. I have had them for breakfast, dinner and tea and have wished I could ask them to chop a box of wood for their meals. They won't insure you against anything that is likely to happen.

Now the Government has broader shoulders. It is the thing that is likely to happen that they arc prepared to help you provide against. They do not offer you a gamble with the day of your death as the dice. We suffer too often from illnesses that have mental anxiety at their root. The effect on the mental health of the community should be inestimable.

We farmers have paid up our employment insurance with smouldering animosity, knowing well that while the land requires tilling and there are cows to milk and sheep to go round, we will never be fortunate enough to be unemployed. But even now, while we are willing to pay into this scheme ungrudgingly, we would like to know, Mr. Editor, whether Mr. Savage intends us to share equally in its benefits with the wage-earner. Will we be barred from receiving free medical attention if we pay income tax? Will our hospital levy be raised? It is heavy enough now. Can we make over our farms to our sons when we are 60, and draw a pension? If, when I am an old women, I own a little house, will they give me 30s a week?

Now, Mr. Editor, New Zealand social legislation, has always led the world. Let us all, Nationalist and Labourite, put our brains behind this new Act and make it work. It is a very fine effort.

I am going to vote against Labour because, if they go back, I believe they will commandeer my wool at their own price, as they have commandeered my butter-fat. But I hope I have a clear enough grasp of our national welfare to welcome a fine piece of social legislation whatever party introduces it. Congratulations, Mr. Savage.—l am, etc., “FEMINA.”