GOVERNMENT GIVES HELP TO SOLDIERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 211, 6 September 1941, Page 14 (Supplement)

GOVERNMENT GIVES HELP TO SOLDIERS

IT is gratifying to be able to chronicle that the Government has lent a sympathetic ear to some of the representations of the R.S.A. on behalf of returned men and their dependents, as well as on behalf of 'men of the New Army.

d I , e annual general meeting of the K.b.A. Council passed many resolutions after long and careful deliberation by a number of sub-committees, dealing with many phases of national life in so far as returned and serving soldiers are concerned, as well as on matters of internal" administration and government of the association, and on several important matters consultations are at present taking place between the R.S.A. and the Government. Further fruitful results fj e , h ° pec J for , especially in regard ril nd settlement and rehabilitation. ♦». \ he .«, counci l ur S ed the Government • ,JJ oans . for furniture be made available with £100 maximum, free of interest, repayment to be decided according to circumstances." The oovernment has now announced a scheme to help in the settlement back o! M 1 ®" " f e of , the nien of the Second N.Z.E.P., which embodies the principles advocated by the R.S.A. £° U v?i ' a ■ s * e P that will certainly be highly appreciated not only by those concerned, but by the community at

The council also advocated that °?ns or grants be made available P. °j ' free of interest, for tools of trade or other articles of personal equipment deemed necessary for the exercise of a particular calling, and this the Government has also agreed

Making Good A further resolution bearing on the subject of financial assistance to men on their return so that they may have an opportunity of making good their losses consequent on service for their King and country, was passed by the R.S.A. council, but so far no announcement has been made by the Government regarding it. The resolution proposed "that loans for businesses, plant and professional instruments, etc., be made available up to £500 maximum, and be confined to those applicants who were obliged to dispose of, or close, their

businesses on joining the forces, or to those specially recommended by a local representative Advisory Committee and approved by the Dominion Advisory Council."

It is hoped this matter has not been pigeon-holed by the Government. It is immaterial whether a man volunteered to serve, or was called to the colours, the sacrifices made are the same, and they fight in the same cause. Such assistance to the returned soldier is no more than the bare obligation of the country. It would also be instrumental, to "a great extent, in minimising the handicaps placed on those serving by Uie actions of others—aliens, for instance—who are "jumping the claims" of our lads while they are engaged in holding back the Hun.

The increase in the allowance to dependent wives with children of 1/ per day is another decision bv the Government, on the suggestion of the R.S.A., which will bp welcomed.