AN OLD COUPLE’S BONUS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 194, 12 May 1921, Page 6

AN OLD COUPLE’S BONUS

SOME INTERESTING CORRES-

PONDENCE.

The following correspondence, supplied by Air. G. Alitchell, ALP., is of general interest to all superannuated Civil Servants, and is self explanatory. How the Department can. say that I am “in error in supposing that the bonus is to be discontinued” is hard to understand, says Air. Alitchell, in face of tho fact that the bonus had already been cut off from these old people. How many more have had the bonus cut off, and know they may receive some relief from another source? Wellington, April 26, 1921. To Colonel Alitchell, AI.P., AVellington. Dear Sir, —I received to-day my superannuation voucher for the monthly payment of <£6 10s,, being at the rate of 30s. per week. For tho past 12 months ending Alarch 31 the Government have been paying a bonus for the high cost of living. The bonus of <£22 brought my pension up to 41100. but that bonus of .£22 has now been stopped. I wish, sir, to bring this 'hardship under your notice. In my case, lam 76 years of age. my wife is 71 years, and we arc both entirely dependent on the above pension. We have no other means, and are simply unable to earn any outside support, as we both are in feeble health. I am sure, sir, you will see by the above statement that it is a hard task for ns to make things reasonably comfortable, even on 41100 a year, but when it’s cut down to .£7B, well you can judge our position. I respectfully ask you, sir, to bring the above under the notice of Sir Francis Bell, ActingPremier, not alone in my case, but for others that may be in similar circumstances. As for the cost of living having come down, I venture to say that it is not reduced; in fact, most household foods have gone up in price, particularly coal, bread, milk, etc. You will, I am sure, excuse me for writing to you iu this matter, but from what I know and have heard about the Acting-Premier, I feel sure ho will do his best to help the low-paid superannuated servants if the case is placed before him, and I think you will do that. —I am. etc. (signed) C.R., AVcllington, April 29, 1921.

Tho Hon. the Acting-Prime Minister. Wellington.

Sir, —I enclose a letter from an old man which speaks for itself. I had no idea that rtne cost-of-living bonus had been entirely withdrawn; Hud the Government reduced it in keeping with any reduction in the cost of living, economy would have been seasoned with mercy, but to withdraw it altogether when rent, food, and clothing is yet so high, is surely lacking in that sympathetic justice to the old and helpless which should be our first pride. Whatever the present conditions of our finances, our Dominion is wealthy enough to give some measure of comfort to the aged by whose labours the wealth of the country has been built up. We are still able to find several hundred thousands a year to subsidise certain producers, who have never previously been so prosperous, bind (thereby maintain these foods to <mr. ..people at a higher price than could be obtained in the world’s markets to-day. Is it a humane policy to subsidise the prosperous and make bread and butter dear, yet take away the few pounds by which old people acquire those necessities of life? Should wo not rather subsidise the infirm, the old and needy, not the most prosperous section of. our community? And should not the avenues of luxury and extravagance bo stopped, and high salaries be reduced, before tho ordinary necessities of life are denied to such worthy old people, for no two people can live to-day on 30s. a week. Nor do T believe that our people wish to make the old and dependent tho first victims of retrenchment, I ask, sir, f<rr that careful and sympathetic consideration for which you are noted, with a view to reducing'the bonus pro rata with the fall in the cost of living, and not take it away altogether when bread and butter are yet so dear, and the general urlce of everything so very much above normal.—l «m- e ,c - (signed) G. Mitchell. Prime Alinister’s Office. AVcllington, Alav 11, 1921.

To Colonel Alitchell, AI.P., Dear Sir,—ln reference to your letter of April 29, on tho subject of continuing the cost-of-living bonus to Mr. and j[ rs , I have the honour to odviso you that you are in error in supposing that it has Been determined to. discontinue entirely the payment of this bonus durin" the current year. Cases such as that of Mr. and Mrs. will receive consideration, and with a view of having their case rlctermined, I shall be obliged if you wffl'rtet me know if thev are not eligible for fhe old ngo pension. Tf they are eligible, they should applv to the Commissioner of Pensions before their case can bo settled by the Treasury.—l am, etc. (signed) for the Afinister.