Old Age Pension and State intervention:

The position of the aged has greatly improved; relative to population there has been a large in old-age pauperism; and, a point on which but little stress has been laid, the provision made by the people in Friendly Societies and other Provident Institurions, though it may not take the form of old age pensions or annuities, is nevertheless effectual in preventing their dependence on Poor Law relief, by placing at their disposal pecuniary resources of other kinds. On the other hand, the great costliness of most of the schemes which have been proposed, and their probable effect in swamping the Friendly Societies, or lessening their activity, in the State were to adopt such a line of interference as would ultimately bring them under its direct management, appear to be extremely grave objections to their adoption ... The work of the Society in providing pensions on the lines of Charity Organisation increases. About 10,000 pounds is raised for these cases in the course of the year, apart from sums which are paid direct to pensioners from other sources, but with the knowledge of [DCs]. This money comes out of no special fund. It is procured partly from relations, friends, and former employers, partly from the clergy and from Charities, and partly from private persons through advertisements in the Charity Organisation Review and otherwise. The growth in the pension work of the Society has been simultaneous with the great reduction of outdoor relief in Lodon. ... and it has several great advantages. The pensions are raised on such conditions as will encourage thrift and forethought and family obligations, they are sufficient, they are given weekly by a visiting almoner, who draw up a periodical report. Thus the genral circumstances of the case are constantly noted, and very care is taken to give extra help in illness or to meet any other charge which may arise.

[SW 295-296]