THE STATE AND CHILDREN.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15971, 13 November 1919, Page 6

THE STATE AND CHILDREN.

To the Editor. ■ Sir, —The . article on the above subject has created some, interest, and that was the purpose for which it was written. The 5% millions referred to by “A Mother” was not suggested as a contribution. This large amount was only a rough estimate of what the maintenance of the children costs the parents. It will be time enough to suggest amounts when the public realises that some help must be given. I am sorry that “H.H.” and “A Mother” should blame the churches for apathy in the matter. Though I indicated that the economic and moral aspects were closely interdependent, and this “Another Mother” shows clearly, the economic factor prevails, and I cannot see what the churches could have done. I will admit that our statesmen are apathetic in regard to the children, but that is another matter. The Widows Pension Act best illustrates the statesmens’ interest in the children. Under this Act a widow is allowed nothing, £l2 per year is allowed for one child, and £6 for each additional child. In other words, a widow'with three children would receive £24 per year, while an old age pensioner is entitled to £26. No one surely thinks 10s per week is too much for an old age pensioner, but when a widow with three children receives less there is something to think over. In case some one comes in with a sledge hammer to show that I am not up-to-date, I may say that during the war and for 12 months afterwards, each child is allowed £6, and each old pensioner £l3 per year in addition. There are 8000 children affected by the Widows Pension Act. The suggestion by “A Mother” for more information on Children’s Day I could not think of. The day is essentially, one for the children ,£o rejoice on and to remember, and we should all help them. If, however, a few others are interested and will send me their names, I will call a meeting so that we may talk it over. The spirited letter by “Another Mother” I would like to deal with at length, but I will not trespass on your space at present. Suffice it to say that she appears to be one of those earnest, active intelligent mothers whose struggle is difficult and whose case is somewhat typical of present day conditions.—l am, etc., A. T. CAYELL.