Old-Age Pensions. TO THE EDITOR. '

Otago Witness, Issue 2516, 4 June 1902, Page 26

Old-Age Pensions. TO THE EDITOR. '

Sir, — I have often intended to write onthis subject, but I wa? waiting to see if j anybody else would write. But no ; *6c*I think it is high time that it was looked. ! into before persons are . 'granted their; pensions, as it is given to people who really, don't require it. I know a good . many people. | who own property and money, which they I; have made ivei-' to- their families' bo as , to' I get their pensions. There are ' alEo " men' | who swag the country receiving the pension. I They appoint agents in certain towns, and then loaf around the country until the time j comes for them to receive it, and then their ' agents go and get the pension, and on the spree they go, and after it is spent they carry on juat the same until the- next pay day. I think it is high time that the publio money wa& looked after better, for such people only spoil it for those who are really deserving of it. I think, before pen- ! sions are granted, the claims ought to be properly investigated, and that it is a great pity to see public money thrown away in 6uch cases as I have mentioned. 16 is only charitable aid at the best of times, old-age pension being only a gentle name for it. Hoping tc see ife taken up by somebody who will see that it is properly used in the future, — I am ' etc., i Ratepayer.

The Governor is compiling a list of all in the colony who hold Imperial or colonial war medals, and of all Imperial officers and! soldiers residing in the colony. His Excellency hopes to carry the project of a home, for old deserving soldiers to a successful issue if the people of the colony support fcha_ movement and make this the form of honoring those who have lost their lives for the; Empire in South Africa.