PENSIONS.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 25, 3 September 1920, Page 8

PENSIONS.

At the recent meeting of the Dominion Executive of the R.S.A., it was decided to take steps to bring pressure to bear upon the Government to increase the scale of pensions. To carry this into effect, it is proposed to ask the local Associations throughout the Dominion to take steps which will show t-he Government that the R.S:A. is a united force throughout the whole Dominion. In view of the attitude of the Minister of Lands, over the strergth of the R.S.A. when dealing with the Rep. aroa state, it is absolutely imperative that returned soldiers sliould make a special point of not only being a member of the R.S.A., but be a real live contributor to its . effectiveness. We frequently heard that the matter of pensions would be reviewed this Session, but all hopes of any increase ar,e entirely shattered unless united action is taken. All along the line, from the early history of the N.Z.E.F., it has Been one continual fi-ght to achieve and preserve for the more unfortuna.te of our comrades, the barest limits of justice. The Minister has stated that it will sadlle tlie country with too great a financial burden. An inj ustice is something that will be allowed to .exist unless the Government are shown that we stand together. Labour organisations throughout the Dominion would not be treated so lightly. Half a dozen firemen on the ferry service ca.n demand attention. The Govemment have increased wages in a number of its depa.rtments. Every industrial concern has had to do so in order that its employees may be able to compete with the increased cost of living. The Government have admitted the necessity for so doing, and when asked to increase the disabled man's pension, or his dependents', as the case may he, it has denied these men the same right — viz., to maintain a reasonable standai'd of comfort. There is no man who can live decently on a pension of £3 per week, which is the maximum. The lowest paid men in the

country get £3 10s per week, the Government assess the value of a maimed soldier at a lower rate than the lowest paid man. A miserable £3, in order that he may have the privilege of a mere existence. Surely he is entitled to something for being deprived of the joys of life. Unfortunately the pressure of space on our columns this week prevents us from covering the whole field ; but in the meantime, we commend the Executive 's decision to the thoughtful consideration of all returned men, and we will deal more exhaustively with this matter next week.