OLD AGE PENSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20713, 5 November 1930, Page 14

OLD AGE PENSION.

Sir,—l was glad to see in an issu#> of the Herald last week a letter dealing with old-age pensions. The pension is too much regarded as a charity or dole; it certainly should be given to those qualified as a legitimate right and should not be surrounded by irksomo restrictions, but any persons making fraudulent statements to secure it should be severely punished. I recollect the lsto R. J. Seddon stumping the country about 31 years ago in favour of the Pensions Act. In every speech he very strongly stressed tho point that the pension must be regarded as a right, not a charity, for thoso pioneers who had worked hard in the interests of tho country and upon whom the god of finance had not smiled. It would be a fair thing for Parliament to make the pension £1 per week without, any restriction as to subsequent earnings. A man or woman is capable of earning very little after reaching 60 and 65 years, and as tinie goes on they become less able. The member who gets tho Act so amended is sure of a seat for life. New Zeala.vder.