VICTORIAN OLD AGE PENSIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 May 1901, Page 3

VICTORIAN OLD AGE PENSIONS

The number of people now receiving old age pensions from the Victorian Government is slightly over 15,000. The sum of jE75,000, which was voted for the payment of these allowances for the half year

ending 30th June next, was granted o n the estimate that the number of pensions which would be payable would not greatly exceed 6000. The last of the £75,000 was expended some time ago, and the additional £15,000 authorised by the Government has also been exhausted. It is estimated (says the ‘ Ago ’) that the pensions for the 15,000 recepients will amount to £125,000 up to the end of the, six months, implying an expenditure of £250,000 per annum to keep the pensions going at their present rate. There arc several facts in connection with the pension system which are at presentbeing commented upon in political circles. One is that'the maximum pension in Victoria is at the rate of 10s per week, while in New Zealand it is 7s. The other is that many people whose relatives are in a position to provide for them have come upon the pension fund. The average number of people who have received pensions since the scheme came into operation is about 14,000, for practically all those whose claims have been allowed have their pensions dated back to the date on which their applications are lodged.