OLD AGE PENSION DIFFIUITIES.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12469, 19 February 1909, Page 2

OLD AGE PENSION DIFFIUITIES.

[United Pbbss Association.] ■■'-..'■'■"■' Wellington; Feb 18.. Complaints have been received by the Government from persons living in the .back country districts,, and who are desirious of obtaining old age pensions, that they are compelled to travel in some cases long distances m order to reach the office of the nearest Registrar. The Minister in charge of the Department, the Hon D.- Buddo, has under consideration the granting of further facilities in such cases., lhb Minister explains that it is not necessary for these people to personally attend at the office. Any reputable person known to the Registrar can supply the particulars if he is able to do: so. -As required by ; the Act before a pension is granted, he has to make an affidavit that the declaration is correct. But even this provision in the Act is 'objected' to in districts where ■ there' is no Justice of the Peace and in which travelling- is. difficult., ihese complaints do> not refer to the payment of the pensions,' in regard to which apparently there are no ditnculties.