FAYING THE PENSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14567, 2 January 1911, Page 7

FAYING THE PENSION.

THE SOLACE OP OLD AGE.

Saturday was a glad day for tho old-ago pensioners, who assembled .to the number of 331 in the Cook-street Hall to draw their pensions for the last month of the year. From nine o'clock until one five clerks were engaged checking the papers presented and paying out sums ranging up to £2 3s 4d for tho month to each pensioner. It was a notable gathering of the aged. In tho middle of tho forenoon tho hall was completely filled with pensioners Availing their turn to approach the clerks' table. Everyone in tho body of the hall was over 65 and many were a good deal older, but there was many a firm and elastic step and many a cheek in which, tho glow of youth and health lingered 1 . On the other hand, there were some very old and feeble men and women, their faces furrowed with age and their bodies doubled up with rheumatism, who hobbled away slowly, leaning heavily on sticks or on the arm of a friend.

The old-age pensioner is usually a person of undaunted' cheerfulness. Very often he has deserved of fortune much bettor than ho has fared, but' having been tricked by that fickle jade ho has learned to show the same indifference to her smiles and her frowns. He lias been a pioneer and stood shoulder to shoulder wsth other hardy sons of Empire in a severe struggle against nature arid the aboriginals. Though, he has failed to accumulate wealth ho is at least rich in, experience, and what ho has ho freely shares with others. Nothing, in fact, pleases him better than to recall the wars and alarms in which his early manhood was passed. Where pensioners gather little groups form round someone who is relating experiences which are the "pride of each. One may observe the joy with which old comrades under arms meet, who perchance have not seen each other for a few years. In a waggish way these time-worn men and women poke fun at time and age. "Halloa, my boy; how are von ?" pays a stripling of 70 to a hobble-de-lioy of 80, and I:he hitter rejoins, " How are you, young fellow?" On Saturday the pensioner was in his brightest mood, for the pension would mean a little materia,l comfort during the holiday season. In addition, some were rejoicing that under the operation of the Act as amended last session they, were getting a little more than formerly. On the strength of this one pensioner could be heard inviting a few friends to have a drop of good cheer on their way home. ,