Old Age Pensions.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42745, 8 July 1905, Page 2

Old Age Pensions.

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE : PROPOSED. DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE. [By Telegraph—Press Ais -elation.] Wellington, This Day; Mr Seddon moved' the second reading of the Old Age Pensions Act Amendment Bill, which increases the annual pension \|j| from £lB to £26. He said the * financial position of the colony warranted the increased expenditure under the Bill, which would amount to about £loo,* 000. In dealing with the ques* -. Ojfj tion of universal pensions,. Mr Seddon asked whether the colony was prepared to pay an addi-. . tional half a million taxation to - || provide a pension for everyone over 65 years of age, who had / been 25 years resident in the colony. -.V■ Mr Massey regarded the .Billed as a wholesale electioneering bribe, adding that things would not be always as prosperous as they are now, and he was afraid the proposed increase mighLp result in breaking down whole system. The Debate was carried on till 1.5 a.m., when it was ad*. J j o urned and the House then rose. [