WAR PENSIONS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21068, 13 April 1943, Page 4

WAR PENSIONS

DISABLED SOLDIERS RATES TO BE REVIEWED PR EM i ER' S ST ATEM ENT (P.A.) WELLINGTON. April 13. "In response m request..; from organisations interested m the welfare of returned servicemen, tne pn.-oedure operating in connection w.iri applications lor war pensions on benalf of these men. is again set out," the Prime Minister, the Rt. lion. P. Fraser, said last .night. Mr. Fraser reiterated the provisions made for pensions and rehabilitation allowances, as set out by him on March 11. ana said tnai, in order to ensure that every serviceman was fully advised regarding his rights and privileges, arrangements had been made I'or every member to be interviewed personally on his return'to New Zealand or on . dmcnarge . from camp.,. He gave an assurance that the War Pensions Board gave very, liberal interpretation of the law, especially where an application for a pension was on behalf of a man vrno had served, overseas. , Mr. Fraser pointed out that the basic disability pension was £2 for a soldier, plus £1 14s Cd economic pension, i.i will's pension, ami lus lor each child. "However." he said, "the Government has promised a very, careful review of the rates of war pensions and these will be increased to meet the changed conditions now obtaining.” Of those returned up to the end of February, Mr. Fraser added, (he rehabilitation service had been directly responsible in providing 1033 with employment, while 67 were either learning, trades or receiving university tuition. Ten hundred and eightytwo . had returned to their previous employment, 1042 had accepted employment with other employers. One hundred and fifty had returned to their own businesses or farms and 61 had acquired businesses or farms. The State Advances Corporation had approved, of 760 applications, involving £278,392, for the purchase of 33 farms, the purchase or erection of 158 houses, the purchase of tools of trade for 32 men. the purchase of businesses for 40 and the purchase, of furniture for 497. Three hundred detunied men had been allocated Slate houses or fiats' and 25 per cent of the houses erected were reserved for servicemen.