THE PENSIONS ASSOCIATION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 177, 29 July 1942, Page 4

THE PENSIONS ASSOCIATION

I have read much comment on pensions, more so of age and widows' pensions. Maybe much is justified, but where is there satisfaction today. I notice in all walks of life complaints to-day. I find that there is a vast difference in pensioners. Some are quite well off and can manage on the 31/6 weekly, but there is a large number who cannot. The advance cost of living is beyond them and anxiety and worry exist Two letters of this week advocated paying twice monthly. Well, my knowledge of this is somewhat authentic, for I am in touch with hundreds of pensioners and the majority are satisfied with the monthly system. I have discussed the subject with the heads of the Department and find they are willing to assist pensioners, particularly the aged. But a system cannot ije upset for a few or a small minoritj r . The voucher system was referred to the Minister at Wellington for consideration. The answer was that a danger exists seeing that there are about 10.000 age pensioners in Auckland, and about 100.000 in New Zealand and the Social Security Act covers all. So any wild cat scheme cannot be undertaken. T. H. MEGANN, President, S.S. Age Pensioners' Assn.