S.A. WAR VETERANS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1933, Page 5

S.A. WAR VETERANS

REQUEST REGARDING PENSIONS

'MEASURES TO RELIEVE DISTRESS

(Per Press Association— Copyright)

WELLINGTON, October 12

A deputation comprising members of the executive -of the South AfUcan War Veterans’ Association waited upon the Minister -of Defence, Air Oobbe, this afternoon, urging a reduction in the age of persons receiving the veterans’ old -age pension, from 65 to 60 years, and an increase iti the pension of from £l3 to £26. They also asked that New Zealanders who had served in other units sli mid be eligible for the pension-

The deputation also made a readiest to the Minister of Internal Affairs, ->ir Young, that the fn ll benefit of an -art union be used in relievin'l' -distress -among -South Aif-rica® war veterans.

Mr Ccibibe, replying, pointed out that such a reduction in the iage of those entitled to the pension would mean -an additional cost of £B6OO this year, and the -amount would be increased for a few years to follow. However, he had full sympathy with their Tepresenf"tions, and would consider the rmest-ion with the Commissioner of Pensions.

Mr Young .pointed out that, nut ot the fast four art unions, the sum totalling £31,000 had been al'oc-ited for relief, -and said he could notanswer for the associations -receiving the full benefit of one, although he would go into the question. This form of raisins money, he observed, was not iks -profitable as it had been. As time wore on. art unions were becoming less remunerative.