DEFENCE COMMISSION

Marlborough Express, Volume LII, Issue 98, 1 May 1918, Page 3

DEFENCE COMMISSION

THE EVIDENCE.

WELLINGTON, May 1

Before the Defence Expenditure Commission to-day "Clhurles F. Rodda, officer in charge of the war expenses branch and also a. Treasury official, stated that payment to a wife or «i dependant did not necessarily cease on the death of a soldier. Pensions were paid to soldiers from, the date of their discharge, but ho was not aware that there was any hiatus between discharge and tho first payment. Deceased or discharged soldiers' pensions were dated back to the time that their pay cease*}. Where an allotment, had been continued the pensions commenced after the last payment of the allotment. He> was not aware of any reimbursements to patriotic societies for maintaining soldiers or their dependants during the period between the stoppage of pay and the fixing of pensions. Up to 28th February last the following amounts had been paid to the Post, and Telegraph Department : For services in sending out war news, £112,143; casualty lists, £254,482; hospital reports, £9843; total £376,768. Up to the end of February the amount paid for allotments, and allowances whs £6,965,925, of whbh £3,350,17() was paid for the year ended 28th February last.