The Feilding Star. Oroua & Kiwitea Counties Gazette. Published Daily. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1896. OLD AGE PENSIONS.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 118, 17 November 1896, Page 2

The Feilding Star. Oroua & Kiwitea Counties Gazette. Published Daily. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1896. OLD AGE PENSIONS.

From a return laid before Parliament last session showing the number of adults in the colony of 65 years of age and upwards we learn that in 1891 there were, of both sexes, 14,342, classified as follows : — Males Females

Total 8338 6006 The information as to the ages of the people, given in the census of 1896, had not been tabulated when the above return was prepared, but it is estimated that in the current year (1896) the number of persons of 65 years and upwards will be found to be between 17,000 and 20,000. For the sake of argument, let us say that with in the next three years the total number of persons qualified by age to receive pensions reached the last named, £10,000 per week would have to be found from the consolidated revenue, which would mean, say, .£500,000 a year. It may be argued that the whole of this money would not be be drawn, because many of the persons entitled to benefit under the Act would not avail themselves of their privilege. Possibly one or two self-sacrificing individuals might so r-frain, but the remainder would not be so foolish. Another plea in favor of the scheme is that " the money would be spent in the colony." Quite so, but the interest on the money borrowed (it simply could not be supplied by tbe revenue) by the colony to pay the pensions ' would be expended in England —by tbe bondholders. And it should be remembered " You can't eat your cake and have it too," for the borrowed money would have to be paid some day — by more borrowing. In the Registration of People's 01-iims Act of 1896 some attempt has been made at 1 restriction by providing that a claimant (under tbe proposed Pensions Act) must be a resident in the colony, and ' have so resided for not less than twenty 1 years ; continuously for not less than three years immediately preceding the date of his claim for registration ; has not been absent from the colony tor, ' in all, more than eighteen months ' dnring tbe period of ten years immediately preceding such date, and, also, that his total income from all sources 1 exclusive of his personal earnings) does not exceed £50 a year. We do not wish it to be inferred that we dis 1 approve of this, or any other, scheme to make provision for the rest and comfort in their old age of those wi o have spent the best years of their liv«-s in the noble work of colonisation, but who have not been able to do so their • selves, for the contrary is the case, but

we do not think the taxpayers are likely to approve of placing an additional burden on themselves in the manner now presented to them. In the form of Charitable Aid every ratepayer in counties, road and town districts, and boroughs, has to pay a direct tax ; while thousands of men contribute towards their future needs as members of benefit societies. This pension scheme would therefore mean more taxation to them indirectly. In England the best and cleverest of statesman have been casting about for a scheme suitable to their circumstances, but have failed. With their admitted superior knowledge, greater resources, andopportu.nites, we venture to think it would be wise for our legislators to wait until they have the example of the older country to guide them.

Unmarried ... ... 1355 254 Married 4785 2558 Widowers and widows 2103 5179 Unspecified ... ... &) 15