MISSING MEN’S PAY

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 July 1941, Page 3

MISSING MEN’S PAY

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS CHRISTCHURCH, July 15. The provision of Army pay and allowances for men reported missing was explained to “The Press” by the Army Department to-day. Under the regulations pay and allowances are continued for three months after a man is reported missing.. After that a pension is granted, as determined by the War Pensions Board. If a man is reported prisoner of war his pay and allotment continue exactly as when he was serving. The statement was made in reply to an inquiry by a correspondent of “The Press” signing himself “Canterbury.” His letter asks the following questions: — 1. How much is the benefit granted under the provisions of the War Pensions Act, 1915, for widow or wile of missing soldier and three children? 2. Is a wife with three children, whose husband is missing, entitled still to claim the same allotment and dependants’ allowance as before missing? 3. If a husband is missing, what pay do a wife and three children receive and what is it called? 4. How long is it before a wife is announced a widow by the Government if her husband still continues to be missing? 5. What becomes of his kit-bag ami | personal things? ; 6. Is there any set payment or pro- ! vision made for dependants if hus- ! band reported missing? ; 7. If a prisoner of war, does he still i earn his Army pay, and if so, who | receives it? 8. What becomes of any pay he has coming to him before reported missing? The Army Department’s answers are as follows: — (1) As decided by the Pensions Board after inquriy into the circumstances. , (2) For three months only; then a' pension. If he is reported prisoner of; war, all pay and allotments continue j exactly as when he was serving. : (3) See previous answer. , (4) Not an Army matter (registrar! of births, deaths, and marriages the! probable authority). I (5Y Returned to next-of-kin when- . ever possible. ! (6) See 1 and 2. | (7) Yes. It accumulates for him less | allotments payable as per 2 above. (8) It is held for him for 7 and added thereto. In the case of a soldier being reported dead his allotments of pav to whomsoever made, and allowances to his dependants will continue for three ; months as for a soldier reported miss- j ing.