SOCIAL SECURITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27500, 21 September 1950, Page 4

SOCIAL SECURITY

Sir,—No doubt social security is the young man’s paradise with 10s for each child, free doctor and medicine, and a Government house when his family increases in numbers, and no means test. What about the people who are 60 years and over, for whom the social security was created? They have a means test at 60, another at 65, so that they can earn another 2s 6d per w'eek for each year worked. Surely no Government w’ill attempt to make that law. It would be a national calamity asking persons to carry on after 65 when 75 per cent, have gone to the grave. I do not know what to think of the Church and its dignitaries to stand off and allow such treatment of the old people. They are the ones who carried the country through during the 1914-18 war by working 50 to 60 hours per week, and’ also through the depression, ana that is their reward. Every man and woman over 60 is entitled to an annuity at 60, for they have paid for it. The housing position is the same—no houses if you are over 60. That’s where th° housing allotment should be made first, as there are a lot of old people still looking for a home But the young people must come first T'ere is no doubt that the country requires a -tatesman to give it a lead—l am, etc.. Equal Rights.