R.S.A. ATTITUDE ON PENSIONS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28154, 18 December 1956, Page 18

R.S.A. ATTITUDE ON PENSIONS

POLICY ON BASIC PAYMENTS “Our policy as far as the basic pension is concerned is that we want it to rise or fall with the cost of living,” said the president, Mr G. D. Hattaway, at a meeting of the executive of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association last evening. “The position today is that we have no guarantee to that principle. The last two increases in general wage rates have gone on to the economic pension but not the basic pension. We have put that case up to the Government.” Mr Hattaway said the association was not asking for more than outsiders—only as much. Earlier in the meeting, the executive heard that of 17 cases put up to the War Pensions Appeal Board in August, 10 had been successful and seven unsuccessful and of 16 placed before the board this month six had been successful, five unsuccessful and five deferred, of which three might possibly be successful. Mr Hattaway said that the August sitting had been very successful and the results of the December sitting indicated that the association’s work was worth while.

Praising the work of the secretary. Mr F. Barron, Mr Hattaway said he had it on reliable grounds that the board was impressed with the way appeals were brought before them. The executive adopted a resolution expressing satisfaction at this position.