LIMITED MEANS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20762, 3 January 1931, Page 12

LIMITED MEANS.

Sir, —Two letter!? in the Herald of December 20 merit the attention of the philanthropic-minded in that they seek relief of a condition more stressful than unemployment, that of being past employment, with too slender resources for acquiring the decent living that should he the due of agfll people after a life which, though "they gave of their best, they did their best," has fallen short of a competency. The thrifty old man or woman who hns saved £450 is apparently a less-treasured citizen llinn the shiftless old rake who gels the pension. The Post Office Savings Bank will pay him or her 4 per cent interest, netting £lB a year against the spendthrift's pension of £45 10s—rather a poignant instance of Government dispensation. It has been well said that the truest philanthropy is to help these who help themselves. This is of that stock. Lam-ret te Cambridge writes for homes for old ladies, especially, but many old men are in the same situation. This writer had within the past ' fortnight been considering a tentative proposal to the same end foi the benefit of his sex, a co-opera-tive industrial community home for elderly, lonely people of limited means in tho winterless North. The North for fuel economy and warmth and comfort It is my plan , to club means and purchase a fertile piece of land with dwelling, and grow our own food as far as practicable after the manner of pioneers. Your correspondent tilts at .tho word charity yet her plea is wholly one for the helpful aid that others might be able to give. It is true charity she really seeks, which has been defined as " a disposition to relieve the wants and distresses of others, tenderness, kindness love, goodwill, benevolence." Her scheme for a garden suburb of small homes with quarter aero each for 12s 6d weekly rent is futile. Rent! With a prospect of notice to quit when she has done her beautifying. If f OUr or five ladies can guarantee a weekly 12s 6d each, it would form a sum that if capitalised would provide a home having a private room for each, a largo common room, and the usual appurtenances, and an acre of ground, \ our leagues or benevolent person to help you to acquire the asset, which will be your own while von meet the dues If men are too old at 40 for getting employment what about tho prospects of the pensionless neax-ing 80. Thos. Dawes.