Retirement income in the 19th century

There has been a lot of media discussion lately about retirement income, superannuation eligibility etc.

To put it in perspective, think about the numerous requirements for the first oldage pension in New Zealand, in 1898.

A pensioner had to be aged at least 65, have been resident in New Zealand for 25 years, have not deserted their husband/ wife or, ‘‘ without just cause’’, failed to provide for the maintenance of a wife, or their children under the age of 14 years, not have during the previous 12 years been imprisoned for four months or on four separate occasions, or during the previous 25 years been sentenced to five years in prison ‘‘for any offence dishonouring him in the public estimation’’.

Another stipulation required ‘‘he [the pensioner] is of good moral character and has for five years been leading a sober and reputable life’’.

The pension was also means-tested.

According to the 1899 Yearbook, ‘‘ the full pension is £18 a year [$3189 now], payable in 12 monthly instalments.

‘‘ For each £ 1 of income above £34, also for each £15 of accumulated property above £50, £1 is deducted from the amount of the pension.’’

In other words, pensioners would receive nothing if they earned more than £52 a year or owned property worth more than £270.

How would we moderns stand up to that kind of scrutiny?

Moving on, now that the local body elections are over, I have a comment to make.

I have lived in Waitangirua for more than 16 years, and this was the first time any candidate knocked on my door. What a refreshing experience.

I was delighted to see that candidate has been elected as a new member of Porirua City Council.

When you think about it, how do these candidates expect us to vote for them if we have never laid eyes on them?

And now some comments on the advent of Grey Power Electricity.

Many of our members have found that they can expect considerable financial benefits from changing to the new entity – some up to $ 60 a month.

It’s worth the effort of investigating (0800 473 976).

Last month, we heard from Jen Boryer of the Capital & Coast District Health Board.

She gave us an overview of the activities and services at Kenepuru Hospital and many of us were surprised at the range she covered.

This month, we hold our last meeting for the year, so it is a social event.

Attendees are asked to bring a couple of things: a small contribution to the afternoon tea (in the form of food), and any craft items they may have produced – knitting, crochet, embroidery, woodwork, greeting cards, and so on. (It would be nice to know how our members occupy their spare time.)