OLD AGE PENSIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12929, 27 July 1905, Page 7

OLD AGE PENSIONS.

, Sir—lf you will allow me tbe space I should like to say a few words about the old age pension. lam 72 years of age, and: a few years ago I .bought a small Govern-, ment annuity, and from time'to time have jmade additions to it, so that I hope soon to* be able to live in comfort and "»peotability when my i work :is done,; and that without being a burden to anyone., ,1 tod by the Old Age Pension Bill, and the reception it lias to a great extent met with, that * the' inhabitants' of .this; colony are quite willing to pay some considerable portion of my maintenance, although I piefer to maintain myself. I think there are ways by which . many others might be ; benefited, and that with slight, expense to the country. Suppose at and after the ago of 65 the rate of payment on. life, policies were increased in a flight degree, say, by two per cent-, per annum, and also• that on and alter that time of life all-money previously paid; in should be paid at the • increased-: 65-year rate. It- would, of course, .be some expense, but would, I should imagine, encourage thrift, in people of small means, and probably be the means of inducing many to keep off the old age pension list who would otherwise be pensioners, and consequently a burden upon the colony. _ WAVENF.T,