WAR WIDOWS' PENSIONS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 263, 31 July 1920, Page 7

WAR WIDOWS' PENSIONS

Sir,—Daily wo read that increases have been granted to railway-men, postal and telegraph' employees, etc., to meet increased cost of living, and nearly tho first thing considered when Parliament met was an increase for Judges. Now, all theso men liave worked well for the country,' and tho country has provided them' with, good wages and snlnrics in return. But what of the widows and children of the men who died for the country? A private's widow I believe. 30s. per week, and all children,• 10s. per week until the age of sixteen. Now, liow could a school child, requiring warm clothing, school books, etc., be kept on this amount these days? Allowing tTiat this amount did keep the child, howwould the mother fare? From her pittance must come iho rent and all extras. Surely, after all tho sacrifices theso women have made 'tliey are not going to bo forced to put their children in home* nnd go to work? The women who got, their men safely home to provide for them and their children's future would not see theso stricken women suffer further, ltemcmber that they are the wives of men who in many cases held some of our best positions. How changed their lot! I really cannot understand memorials being erected while this wrong—most glaring when the widows have childrenexists, it seems suoh liumbug anil hypocrisy. Undoubtedly, the Government could economise in other Departments, and not on the widows. Is it because they cannot strike?' I am sura the Judges, M.P.'s, etc., will refuse to accept their increases until tho widow gets her.—l am, etc., WORKER.