Old-age Pensions.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 7 September 1917, Page 3

Old-age Pensions.

During the discussion on the Finance Bill the Hon. JR. H. Rhodes moved an amendment to clause 74 in the direction of providing that an old-age pensioner could earn up to £52 a year, : nstead of £34, without suffering' any deduction in his pension. The Chairman of Committees ruled the amendment out of order. Mr Rhodes Btated that he had moved the amendment because it was the only way he could bring the subject up. He was of opinion that they should encourage old age pensioners in war time to earn as much as tbey could. Th 6 evening before he had read a letter to the House from several miners on the West Coast, pointing out that tbey might not e;jrn anything for a number of years, but in one year they might earn more than £34.

Sir Joseph Ward said he was 9orry he could not agree to the suggestion. To give effect to it would mean an increase of £250,000. He promised, however, to go into the question and advise the House later. He would go into it before the Bill passed the upper branch of the Legislature, and if anything could be done he would have it brought down by Governor's message. Other members supported Mr Rhodes's suggestion. Mr Lee said surely a country which could raise £16,000,000 in a few days could find the extra money for pensions. Sir Joseph Ward said he could not make an offbßnd promise in war times. If he were carried away by his own feelings he would say yes. He reiterated his promise to have r the matter investigated, and said be would be only too glad to inform the House of the result.