IMPERIAL WAR PENSIONS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 93, 22 April 1925, Page 11

IMPERIAL WAR PENSIONS

CO-ORDINATING METHODS OF PAYMENT.

CM tELIQRAPa.—PRSSS ASSOOATIOSj

AUCKLAND, 21st AprH. For the purpose of co-ordinating methods in the payment of Imperial war pensions by the New Zealand Government, Mr. G. J. Gilbert, principal clerk to the British Ministry of Pensions, is paying a visit to the Dominion. Mr. Gilbert arrived by the Athenic, and expects to remain in New Zealand for about six months. Mr. Gilbert is on a fifteen--months' tour, which will cover all the important countries of the Empire, with the exception of Canada. He left England at the end of December, and, after visiting the British West Indies and British Guiana, he joined the Athenic at Panama. The New Zealand Government pays pensions to a considerable number of Imperial ex-soldiers and exsailors, most of whom emigrated to this country after the war. It obtains from the Imperial Government a refund of the moneys so paid, and the primary purpose of Mr. Gilbert's visit is to, confer with the Comptroller and AuditorGeneral, who reviews the accounts of the New Zealand Pensions Department with the object of bringing accounts respecting Imperial pensions into line with the Imperial Government's requirements. He is also empowered to discuss with the Government any other relevant questions that may arise. Among these may be the method of paying pensions, and their adjustment by arrangement with the Imperial Government. Pensioners in New' Zealand are brought before medical ■boards from time to time, and their pensions are reviewed by the Pensions Department in accordance with instructions from Home. Mr. Gilbert will doubtless discuss this phase <j the matter with the authorities.