THE PENSIONS SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23010, 11 April 1938, Page 14

THE PENSIONS SCHEME

Sir, —I was greatly surprised, on reading the Government's scheme for pensions, to find, that nothing has been done for single women between the ages of 50 and 60. These are the women who are now suffering from the loss of their menfolk during the war; as in so many cases they were left to keep the homes together, in most cases on very small wages, and were unable to save for a ramv day. This came all too soon, an aftermath of the war. During the depression women agaifi suffered, for, after long service in offices, etc., 10 years and upward, their services were dispensed with, and young girls took their places. Others who-stiu retained their positions were taxed xm their wages for unemployment, al* though manv were already helping to support their unemployed sisters, for whom there was no assistance forthcoming from the Government; it all went to help the men. Now the age limit for pensions for men has been reduced by five years, but the women have again been forgotten. Is this giting them a fair deal? I may add that there are many women who are mow than willing to take up work of any kind except housework, for which they are totally .unfitted, as since . leaving school they have been trained for "office work, professional positions, or trades. Owing to the new awards these positions are no longer available to tnem as the award wage is too high for tbe employer to pay, and they are not allowed to retain the services of their senior employees at a lower wage, j though it would be to the advantage of both parties. Too Of.D At 35.