SOLDIERS' FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 73, 19 December 1917, Page 5

SOLDIERS' FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

COMPLAINTS FORWARDED TO DEFENCE MINISTER.

At a meeting of tho executive of tho Second Division League, held last evening, tho following letter, received by tho secretary from a soldier, was read: "Sir,—l am taking this liberty ot writing to you ro the treatment I have received at the hands of the secretary of the Soldiers' Financial. Assistance Board. I have been in camp since July 22. Since that time my wife has not received the promised financial assistance that was apportioned to her by tho. board. My papers wore all fixed up by the Appeal Board, who heard my case. I was allowed 10s. per week, and have repeatedly written to ask them why no money has been forwarded, the letters being ignored— no reply being sent. . . . f gave up a promising business to come into camp, which I don't object to if it wasn't for the carolessness of t'te Financial Assistanco Board. Hoping you will please see into this, and excuso mo writing to you re my complaint, as it "is almost impossible to got leave. . . ." A letter was received from tho Auckland League enclosing a _ complaint from a soldier's wife with two children, who, it was said, had been compelled to sell her furniture and exist on two meals a day in order to keep going whUo waiting for a grant of financial assistance, which, when it finally was made, amounted to 12s. 6d. per week, upon.which she was expected to rent a suitable house for herself and two daughters to livo in. After trying in vain to got a suitable houso sho had applied for reconsideration of her case, but had been advised after long delay that no further grant could ho made. • A report by f the Auckland Executive vouched for tho correctness of the letter, and stated:—"Mrs. is entitled to more consideration from tho Financial Assistanco Board in regard to rent paid; 12s. 6d. being totally inadequate." I

It was decided to forward both complaints to tho Minister of Defence with a request that inquiry should be made as to the reasons for delay nnd failure to grant more adequate allowance.