WAR SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 136, 11 June 1945, Page 6

WAR SERVICE

OVERSEAS AND HOME

A gratuity at the rate of 75s for each month is to be paid to men and women of the New Zealand Armed Forces, Maori and pakeha, who have served overseas in the present war in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and there will be a gratuity of 20s a month for like service in New Zealand. This will mean that a man or woman with four years' overseas service will receive £18.0. The gratuities, which will also be paid to the dependants of deceased Service personnel, are additional to present pay, allowances, and other benefits.

In announcing the rates, the Acting Prime Minister (Mr. Nash) said that after the 1914-13 war, a gratuity of Is 6d for each day of overseas service was paid, but taking into account the differing circumstances of the present war and conditions in general the Government had decided to pay a gratuity to all with full-time service in the forces.

"Time and conditions of payment, which will be spread, are being worked out," said Mr. Nash, "and will *be announced either before or during the early part of the coming session of Parliament.

'"The intention of the Govez-nment," added Mr. Nash, "is to recognise the splendidjservice given by the men and women in the Navy, Army, and Air Forces, and the gratuity is additional to the present pay and allowances and other benefits for those who, in .many cases at the risk of their lives, helped to save our country. "Gratuities will also be paid for the benefit of the dependants of those who lost their lives in war service."