“AGE WITHOUT BENEFITS”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27060, 20 April 1949, Page 6

“AGE WITHOUT BENEFITS”

Sir,—Your leading article “Age Without Benefits,” in your issue of April 8 led me to think along lines different from “ Hard Struggle.” I am long past the allotted span, and am happy to be able to manage without State benefits. By the time I pay social security tax. rates, and insurances I do not have £3 per week, but I have the satisfaction of having earned every penny of it. My husband—a tradesman —and I brought up a family of eight on the principles of industry, thrift, and sobriety. We gave our family an example of hard work, often quoting, “ Go to the ant, thou sluggard, learn her ways and be wise “If a man will not work, neither shall he eat.” We practised putting by a little for a “ rainy day,” and our children, without any weekly allowances, were encouraged to do the same. It' was a great life in a hard school, but it worked out in contentment and satisfaction, for, added to our three principles, was a firm faith in a Great Providence over-ruling and shaping the lives of men and nations. I enjoy to the full the amenities of the new age in which I now find myself—my bedside reading lamp, my radio, and my little electric range. Cigarettes and gambling I cannot afford. I am all for social security for those who, through age or infirmity, can no longer work. I can still find useful work to do, and could earn my living if I had to.—l am, etc., Widow.