WAR RELIEF SOCIETIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17274, 15 September 1916, Page 5

WAR RELIEF SOCIETIES.

[Per Press Association,]

WELLINGTON, September 14,

A meeting of tho Advisory .Hoard ol the Federation of New Zealand Patriotic War Relief Societies was held yesterday, tho Hon J. T. Paul presiding. Tho Defence Minister wrote that he had no power to compel any soldier to make an allotment of gay in favour ol his dependents at any time, but lie had power ueder the Expeditionary Forces Act to make compulsory deductions for the support of dependents.

The board decided to make further representations to the Minister. It was reported that tho secretary had asked tho Minister of Defence when a man was discharged either from camp or after service, from any cause, information should at once be given to the patriotic society in the district of or.listment, and if a pension '■»!•! been granted such should be notified. ihe Minister replied that information could be g'ven, but it would b" necessary for tho board to distribute what information was required-by thr various societies. A list of discharged soldiers would be supplied to the board monthly, together with a list of pensions issued during the month. Discharge from camp would bo obtainrr\ through the camp commandant. Tho Minister nlsn intimated that b.v*' •ist-Tivnts could not be provided by the Department.