New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
OLD AGE PENSIONS.
NEW SOUTH WALES EMULATES NEW
ZEALAND BY ENAOTING A LAW
PROVIDING FOR THEM

sydney, n. s. W., Nov. 2s. 1soo-The question Of
me establishment ot old age pension system,
6nilar 10 that in successful operation In
New-zealand. has been ag1tating New South
Wales for several months, and to-day the bill
for that purpose became a law. There has been
8 desire the part Of some members OF the Leg
stature 10 hold over the bill until the convening
Of the Federal Parliament, IN the hope that the
measure would become universal throughout the
continent, but the majority, including the Pre-
nier, wished the bin 10 be pushed through with
CUT loss OF time. There is no opposition worth
Mentioning. Sir william Lyme, the Premier
heartily In favor OF the bill than G. II.
REID, formerly Premier and leader OF tho
Opposition. Mr. Reid, IN fact. started the agita-
non for the measure put through by his success
and political antagonist. At a mass meeting
n favor OF the bin Representatives OF every politi-
cal party. ot every Church and OF every profession
and trade in the community present. The
sentiment OF the colony has never been more
unanimous
The tendency OF all Australasian legislation has
been the world is aware, toward handing over
10 the State many OF the duties which, in older
communities public spirited citizens take upon
themselves. These innovations have worked SO
well that Il was only natural TO find the people
eager for old age pensions. The fundamental idea
is. OF course, that a lifetime of work by q or
woman Of good character constitutes fair claim
on the State for support in old age, should II be
necessary, not as charity, but payment OF
debt incurred. There are many asylums, but
even under careful management these cannot fail
10 be uncongenial and even cruel to the sensitive
ness Of age. while the fact that the separation
OF aged couples is often made necessary goes TO
show how inadequate is the system. Sir william
Lyme makes calculation which goes 20 show that
old age pensions not only viii the aged from
the shame OF charity and the pain OF separation
from the old home but win be actual saving TO
the State. The estimated cost Of the scheme IS
something Ike f250OoO or 100000 year. but this
does not take INTO consideration the amount which
VIII be saved by doing away with the charitable
Institutions draining the pockets alike of the
State and OF the individual Private contribu-
be saved together with part Of the Governments
annual expenditure-abOut f4o9opo-for public in
sttutiOns Not all pauper institutions be abol-
ished. for many Of the aged and friendless poor
are ailing slightly feeble minded, and will
continue need medical attention The few op-
ponents Of the bill place the number OF those who
are physically or mentally incapable OF passing
from institution control at from one-third 10 two
thirds OF the entire number. This is doubtless
sight rhetorical eXaggeration, but, even admit
ting il, the fact sremains that, under the new
system, two or three thousands of deserving old
FOLK win be made infinitely happier than under
present conditions. To the average mind and
heart stronger appeal could be made.
Opponents OF the bill objected to IL on the
ground that It might mean additional taxation OF
shillings and pence a head per annum for
every man, and child IN the colony II
there were saving from pauper institutions this
would be fair objection. but the viii TO
great extent Offset the other. and the people again
and again loudly proclaimed their willingness TO
psnse. The idea Of securing 20 the working people
q the colony hOnored and independent old age
anc they Will regard no burden as heavy. The bin
provides for the giving of weekly pension OF 10