FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 24, 28 January 1919, Page 3

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

THE WORK CONTINUE*

To the end of 1918 the Financial Assistance Board had made grants in a gross total of 9670 'cases, representing an annual expenditure of £293,833 12s Bd. During December, states the board's report for the month, there was, as was expected, a great falling-off in the number of new applications received. Only 141 were lodged'during the month, most of these being on account of men who had not yet embarked. Of 411 new and 130 old cases, 333 were withdrawn, 90. declined, 14 deferred for further information, and grants were approved in 104 cases. .The new cases dealt with included many held over from previous months, no further action having being taken by those reservists who had not received orders to proceed to camp. The report exoresses astonishment at the apathy displayed by many applicants, who made no effort whatever to advise the board that financial assistance would not be required. In consequence hundreds of appeals were proceeded with and reminders despatched to the applicants. No cases were, however, withdrawn without notification to that effect being sent to the applicant, and if where it was subsequently ascertained that the reservist had entered camp the case was, if required, momptly reopened and a grant made operative. Grants were completed and approved in 638 cases, representing' an annual expenditure of £14,658 18s 10d, including 158 additional grants, amounting to £2195 17s Id. The board's pay department established a record with' the issue of 6459 warrants for the month, involving an actual expenditure of £17,652 5s sd.