FINANCIAL AID

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1943, Page 4

FINANCIAL AID

FOR N.Z. SOLDIERS. P.A. WELLINGTON, Feb. 25. 'the work or the Soldiers' F.nancial Assistance Board was briefly reviewed by the Prime Minister when the House of Representatives met at 2.30 to-day in the course ot a reply by him to three urgent questions on the matter by Messrs H. G. Dickie (Nat. ’Patea). W. M. Denham (Govt. Invercargill, and W. Anderton (NatEden). The Minister, who replied to all three questions as one, said that the duty n f the Board was to see that, on a balance between civil and military incomes, no undue financial hardship was continued. There were general increases in military pay; and allowances last November. These automatically affected many previous decisions of the Board, and a series of reviews followed. Where it was considered that the original hardship had been eased, a reduction in the quantum of assistance granted by the Board was ordered. He was assured that, except in one or two cases, the reductions ordered had not . equalled, much less exceeded, the cash value of the increases in the pay and allowances. Replying to an interjection by Mr. J. A. Lee, (Grey Lynn), who asked if it was the aim to make income up to what it was prior to enlistment, Mr. Fraser said that it was not possible to make up to everybody the incomes that they, had before enlisting. What the Board did was to make up 3 to the soldier certain payments for which he was responsible, such as insurance. If the basic pay were inadequate, it was the duty of the House and the Government to rectify the position. It was also possible that some consideration might be given to an increase in the domestic allowances, and he would discuss that phase with the Board. Mr. Fraser also mentioned the housing position in New Zealand, which he considered very bad indeed. In reply, to a question, by Mr. W. S. Goosman, (Nat. Waikato), Mr. Fraser said that he had attended a conference that morning with representatives of United States forces with respect to hospital requirements, and, as a result, he could see another building programme ahead, which would have the effect of further postponing the erection of dwellings. He gave an assurance, however, that ex-servicemen and the ; r widows receive every consideration, but. there were very few dwellings for allotment at present.