SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25856, 29 May 1945, Page 9

SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS

Sir,—l want to raise my voice in protest at the unequal distribution of the Social Security funds. Doctors are drawing from £SO to £l5O per week out of the fund, while I, with a wife and two children to support, draw an invalid pension of £3 4s per week. Is this why the scheme was brought in, to enrich the doctors and let the invalids starve or commit suicide? I pay £1 per week for rent, and that leaves £2 4s to buy food and clothes—lls per week for each. Under proper administration Social Security is a great scheme, but the way the present Government is shutting its eyes to the anomalies in it is just pure murder. Four years ago, when I was taken ill, I had over £SOO In the bank. At the present moment there is less than £IOO standing to my credit. I have to keep drawing money out to pay my way, as it is quite impossible to keep a wife and two children on £3 4s per week. My children, aged 12 and 15 years, both go to school. I dm a cot case, and only get out of bed for an hour or so each day. My wife has a full-time job looking after me, and has not had a day off or a holiday of any kind since I took 111 four years ago. She does not wear stockings winter or summer, and will not buy warm clothes fot herself, trying to keep' down expenses. I have written to the Social Security Department on two different occasions, also to Mr Bodkin. Mr Bodkin got in touch with the Minister and did his best for me, but the Minister, In his reply to M Bodkin, said he was sorry but he could not grant me any additional benefit. Now, Sir, if I may, I would like to send out an S.O.S. to the coal miners, waterside workers, freezing workers, etc., who seem to be able to work the Government of this country. I want these men to hold a meeting and discuss how a man receiving an invalid benefit of £3 4s per week can support a wife and two children. After discussing this question they should be able to tell the Government that this man should be getting not less than £5 per week, and also that every doctor, no matter how clever he Is, should not be drawing more than £3O per week from the Social Security funds. They should then tell the Government that if It does not rectify these anomalies immediately they will all vote for the National Party at the next election. Perhaps they micro even hint at downing tools. I would not like to see them go as far as this, even if it is in a good cause. The £440 that I have had to draw out of the Post Office just to exist during the past four years should also be paid back to me. This letter Is a real genuine call for help, so here’s hoplng.-I am, etc.^ Cromwell May 27.