SOLDIERS' WIVES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 39, 16 February 1943, Page 2

SOLDIERS' WIVES

While one deplores the treatment, given those who have fought and returned unfit and wounded, such cases can be at least taken up by strong organisations such as the R.S.A. The case of the wives of those present serving is quite different, and it is time that they banded together and used their voting power to protect their own interests. The latest move of the Government should be widely published, as it deserves to arouse the indignation of every woman throughout New Zealand. A few months ago the Government was warmly applauded when they increased the soldiers' pay by approximately one shilling per day. Now, many soldiers' wives, bravely struggling along with a heavy mortgage or rent to pay. young children to rear and an ever increasing cost of living, have been notified that their financial assistance previously granted is either reduced or completely discontinued, with the result that they are financially worse off to the extent of several shillings per week than they were before the increase of pay was granted. I trust, sir. that every wife affected wiil protest, and that your readers, having satisfied themselves that these facts are correct, will assist to restore this unwarranted cut in soldiers' wives' pay. C. WEST.