WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16848, 31 May 1920, Page 7

WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION.

—. IMPERIAL SOLDIERS' FAMILIES. (press association TELEGRAM.) "WELLINGTON, Mny 29. A report presented to tho War Belief Association states there has beon_ a great increase in the number of claims from Imperial soldiers and their dependants, many of whom arrive in New Zealand without any money. Tho Association has requested Sir James Allen to ascertain whether money Bhould bo sent to New Zealand for tno benefit of such immigrants, as the committee did not consider that funds raised for New Zealand soldiers should be expended oh people sent from England, and suggested that no immigrant should bo sent without the approval of tho High Commissioner. The clvirman said the Association was being asked to provide for some of these people, and charitable aid wa3 j | being burdened. Some wero in ill- j ! health, and should never have been al- j j lowed to come, as they required j I assistance on arrival. Ho mentionedthe j ! case of a woman of 31, who arrived ; ! with five children. Her husband was : to come in six months, but in the mean- ; I while the wife had no moans. "While ' many immigrants were quite desirable, ■ some l>ecame a charge on the country j at. once. j The present expend'tnro of tho Asso--1 eiation is about £30,000 annually, and ; tho funds would bo oxhausted in two years. It is proposed to set aside a.' definite proportion of the money in hard for" permanently and totally disabled men, and others who may break down as a result of their war experi- j e;icc3. j