SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23124, 24 August 1938, Page 17

SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

Sir, —The span of human life is said to be "throe score years and ten" (70 years). The burial service can then be read and the body committed to the grave. But the social (in)-security scheme does not recognise such, but makes provision for people over 70 years to contribute having no earthly hope of ever again being 60 and qualifying for assistance. As with the newly-born Tage 1(3), the old people in their evening years are grossly victimised by New Zealand's Government. "A KTAB 71.

Sir, —1 have road all the letters in your paper re above, and am surprised at Hie * utter selfishness of the average person, who only seems to be able to see what they pay out, but never what they receive. 1 am one of those poor unfortunates who will be paying double superannuation. I am a civil servant under 30, earning £5 6s Sd per week, married and one child, and after April 1, 1939, will pay out per week Government superannuation 5s 4d, social security payments os 4(1, plus l-52nd of £1 ss, which represents our social security registration fee. In return we receive Government superannuation per week £3 lis 9(1, national superannuation 8s 3d at (50 years (£3 at 65 years) of age. Also £2 per week if 1 am sick, free doctor, chemist and all hospital treatment. My wife also has the security of the widow and child allowance and, in the event of my becoming an invalid, invalidity allowance. Now, can anybody tell me where or how I can possibly receive such benefits for my lis 4d per week. I might add that, after paying this so-called exorbitant taxation, 1

can still manage to set good meals, a warm bed, and an occasional day at th« races. Just a Working Man.