"MAKE THE LEAP."

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12748, 18 September 1919, Page 3

"MAKE THE LEAP."

PENSIONS FDR OLD AGE. POSSIBILITY OF INCREASE, (Special to “Star.”) WELLINGTON", September 11. A suggested incresse of the old age' pension to £1 a week was put to the Hon W. H. Harries. Minister of Pensions, by Mr Wilford. The Ministerial reply was that the intention of the Government with" regard to old age pensions would be announced in the EvnanciaJ Statement. Regarding reciprocity with Australia, an Old Age Pension Reciprocity Act was passed in New Zealand in 1913. This would be brought into one ration immediately the Commonwealth Government passed a similar statute. The Minister also announced that the question of raising the present £2OO income limitation in respect of National Provident Fund benefits was under eon ride ration. Answering Mr Glower’s suggestion, Mr Berries said that the question of providing pensions for orphan children was at present receiving the attention of the GovernmentThe Minister mentioned, in reply to Mr 'Marnier, that the question of prodding for widows’ pensions, irrespective of length of residence in New Zealand, was being considered in conjunction with other proposed amendments of the Pension Act. 1913, relating to widows’ and hilrlren’s pensions. Several members expressed dissatisfaction this afternoon over the Government’s indefinite replies to their questions. Mr Kerries explained that the answers werepnt a positive refusal, hut the Government did not desire to raise false hopes of anything being done during a short session. The Government was sympathetic with superannuated public' servants, hut it had to draw the line somewhere. There were pl op tv of other retired pensioners suffering equal hardship owing to the high cost of living, ‘ej that any general scheme was a hia proposition. •Dr Thacker: £SWK)O would do itMr Harries: I think it would cost more. \ new Parliament, with a mandate from, the people, is the proper body to raise pensions, superannuate n and the general welfare of the people. Dr Thacker; Make the leap and you probably will get back. It is yenr only chance. (Laughter.) Mr Henries: 11 is quite possible it may be the programme Tho Eon .T. B. Bine, the new Minister of Internal Affairs, stated that ho was vetting a departmental report on the position of superannuated public servants under present economic conditions, though ho could not promise legislati ve tion this session.