28 JULY 1967, Page 22

Too old for pensions

Sir: I find reading the letters in the SPECTATOR (14 and 21 July) a truly poignant experience, for I am one of them—goo old by three and a half months.' All those benefits, all that cushioning against rising costs—all those years—lost by being born three, and a half months too soon (10 March 1888). NeIt October the Government presents the fortunate pensioners with another gift of lOs weekly for the coming winter hardships. What have they for those whom they never allowed to join in 1948? Only the ministerial reply, `You did not contribute but you can join the others in paying for it by taxation.'

Life can be stern for the unprivileged and un- pampered old left-outs'—but we soldier on! We must!