Mr LAZZARINI - I am not now concerned with the cause of the increase of prices; I am merely stating the fact that prices have increased, and that the old- age and invalid pensioners, therefore, find their allowances insufficient. In my opinion, the pension should be 30s. a week, and I would support the increase in the rate to that amount. The basis laid down in 1912 was the allotment of £1 a week for each adult, with 10s. for each child under the age of twelve years, so that a husband with a wife and three children would receive £3 10s. a week. To-day such a household should be paid at least £7 a week.

But as the time allowed by the Standing Orders for the consideration of the orders of the day has nearly expired, I ask leave to continue my remarks on another occasion.

Leave granted ; debate adjourned.