The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA, FRIDAY, DEC. 10, 1898.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXV, Issue 1274, 16 December 1898, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA, FRIDAY, DEC. 10, 1898.

It is expected the old age pension forms will be ready in the course of a week or so. All those entitled to pensions should lost? no time in procuring forms and sending in their applications. The regulations made under the Act have, now been gazetted and we give some information elsewhere as to the routine that has to be followed in order to obtain & pension. Every claim after being lodged has to be made the subject of investigation In the Magistrate's Court, where the claimant must produce corroborative evidence on all material points by documents or other independent testimony. The claims will be. numerous, and will occupy a large amount of the time of the Magistiates for months to come. As Jhe forms are not yet available, and a« the month of December is go near a <>lcse it is impossible that any •claims can be investigated and granted before January. If granted during

that month the pensions will accrue from the Ist of February, but the first instalment will not be payable till thp first of the following month — March. The likelihood is that but few magistrates will be able to complete their investigation during January of all the claims (hat may be brought before them and as the financial year terminon March 31, it is evident that the operation of the Old Age Pensions Act will but very lit tie affect the finances during the .current year. It is probably with this result in view that ;he regulations have been so long delayed and thafc the forms have not yet been printed.