SOCIAL SECURITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23137, 8 September 1938, Page 17

SOCIAL SECURITY

Sir, —"Wondering" thinks I am so busy counting up the benefits I am to receive that I am blind to the cost of the scheme. As far as I can see there will be a minimum of benefits in my case, because a grateful Imperial Government happens to pay me a war pension which carries with it medical benefits also. _ My understanding is that if I receive a pension of more than £2 7s 6d, even from overseas, I cannot receive any further amount from the New Zealand scheme. I am interested in the social aspect of the scheme, and I am therefore prepared to give it enthusiastic Bupport. Any anomalies can be taken care of in due course. Like "Wondering," Mr. Hamilton seems < to think tho countrv cannot afford it, _ but at the same time Mr. Hamilton gives the impression that he is prepared to spend sufficient money on defence to provide adequate protection against any possible enemy. How can tho country stand the cost of adequate defence, in the case of which the money is largely wasted, if it cannot stand the cost of social security, where the money immediately goes back into useful production, etc.? Perhaps Mr. Hamilton will supply us with sufficient detail to sum things up and, in the meantime, our thanks must go to Mr. Minhinnick for enlightening us as to Mr. Hamilton's policy. Full Security.