PENSIONS REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1928, Page 1

PENSIONS REPORT

FAMILY ALLOWANCE SCHEME

WELLINGTON, Aug. 8.

A feature of the Pensions Department's annual report is that for the first time since the inception of the family allowance scheme, details of it operation are disclosed. The Commissioner of Pensions whose estimate of the annual cost, framed when the Bill was under discussion, amounted to about £120,000 annually, states that the estimate of the number of applications which would be made has so far not been realised. At the end of the first year allowance had been granted in respect of 10,000 children in excess of two in a family, representing in round figures 3000 families, the total children of which numbered 10,000. It must be remembered, he adds, that experience in connection with the old age pensions and widows’ pension law was that in the early years of both there was, on the part of certain classes of people, either lack of knowledge of the legislation passed to benefit tbein, or a diffidence to take advantage of such legislation. In regard to family allowance, at least another full year’s working will he required to enable anything like reliable estimates to he adduced. NEARLY 4000 CLAIMS.

Claims lodged during the year totalled 3980, of which 3154 were granted and 579 rejected. Of the rejected claims, 411 represent cases where the income of the family was in excess of the limit allowed. During the year, of the 3154 granted, 25 were voided by the death of the father and 123 were cancelled, leaving 3006 in force. The total children of the 3154 granted and tlioso in excess of two numbered respectively 10,066 and 9758, the average per family being 5.09 and 3.09. Tlio total amount paid during the year was £37,652. The annual value of all allowances granted was £49,000, and of those in force at the- close of the year C 10,557. The latter averaged Cl 5 9s Od per annum each, or just a trifle under 6s weekly, the maximum for three children. Of the claims dealth with, 302 wore from Maoris, 265 being granted and 37 rejected. The principal occupations of the fathers of the beneficiaries arc:—Labourer 1350, farm band 298, farmer 290, public servant- 122, waterside worker 101.

It is shown that New Zealand pensions involve animal payments ol £2.013,770, including £1.131,752 war pensions. £1,038.249 old age pensions and £307,865 widows’ pensions.