ADMINISTRATION OF PENSIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1929, Page 10

ADMINISTRATION OF PENSIONS.

The unanimity with which all political parties in the House of Representatives have agreed that the time has come for an overhaul of the pensions schemes now in operation in New Zealand should make the handling of a delicate question considerably less difficult than if it were clouded by the introduction of- party politics. . The underlying- principles_ of any civil pension scheme must be that it does not discourage thrift; that it actually benefits those to whom an allowance is granted; and that the acceptance of a pension shall not carry with it any loss of self-respect. Military pensions are, of course, in a category of their own. They are granted for disabilities suffered on active service, and it may bo said at once that public, opinion is likely to approve of generosity in their application rather than the reverse. But with both civil and military pensions there must be no opportunity of which the malingerer or the lazy may take advantage. ' This means that certain regulations must govern, the application of relief, and it is in regard to those that an overhaul appears desirable. It seems as though more decentralisation ■ were indicated. In administering pensions personal knowledge of individuals and their circumstances is very desirable, if not absolutely essential, and there seems little doubt but that sufficient voluntary social workers could be found 'who would be willing to assist the State in such administration. But they must be given some authority to deal with matters on the spot, and not be a mere committee to register the will of a central ■ authority. Even with administration thus broadened there must still be laws and regulations from which departure cannot be made except by Parliamentary action. Otherwise there would arise different interpretations that would lead to endless confusion and a good deal of waste. As to enlarging the scope and value of the actual pensions, that is a question requiring very careful consideration. Now that it has been freed from party politics it should bo possible for the House to apply itself to an inquiry into pension requirements with an open mind and with a due regard to the country s economic position.