PENSIONS CONTROVERSY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 256, 28 September 1932, Page 4

PENSIONS CONTROVERSY.

EXPLANATION BY HON. i. G. COBBE. FURTHER LEGISLATION PROMISED. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON .Sept. 27. A statement relating to the pensions of miners’ widows was made in the House of Representatives this afternoon by Hon. J. G. Cobbe, who said that, owing to the publication of certain incorrect statements, he wished to states the facts of the case. “It has been definitely said, on the authority of a member of this House, that during the Committee stage of the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill last session, lit. Hon. J. G. Coates gave a definite promise that legislation would be introduced to restore miners’ ■widows’ pensions,” Mr Cobbe said. 1 1 have no hesitation in saying no such promise was given in this House by Air Coates or ny any other Minister.” Air W. E. Parry: I say you are wrong. That is incorrect. The Alinistor continued: I was in the House when Air Coates stated, in reply to Mr Parry, that the question would be considered during the recess and that another opportunity for a review of the matter would be given. Air Parry: Those were not the words used. Continuing, Air Cobbe said that the statement involved a thorough investigation of the whole question of miners’ widows’ pensions. “I gave instructions that such an investigation should be made and I wish to make it clear that the undertaking given has been fully carried out,” lie said. Air Parry: That is a misrepresentation of the position.

RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION. Air Cobbe: We have investigated the various cases. No pension has yet expired and all pensions up to the end of the presnt month have already been paid. It may be interesting if I state the result of the investigation made by the department. The total number of miners’ widows in receipt of pensions is 408. Of these, 202 are in receipt of two pensions and a few of them three pensions ranging from £9O to £l3O. In addition, there are 51 who are receiving only the miners’ widows’ pensions, but who are qualified for the old-age pension. Of 155 cases remaining, there are 46 who for one reason or another have not disclosed their circumstances. Some of these we have reason to believe are in comfortable circumstances. There are 27 in such circumstances that there is no reason for granting them pensions. For example, one has £I3OO invested in debentures and upwards of £3OO in the bank. Another has £3OOO invested and a third has £I7OO in the bank. A fourth has two unencumbered properties and also £BOO worth of New Zealand inscribed stock and over £230 in the bank. The 82 cases remaining will all be dealt with in an equitable and sympathetic manner. It may be further pointed out that some miners’ widows in receipt of pensions are quite young women from twenty-five years up. Much as one may sympathise with the distressing circumstances in which certain miners’ widows find themselves, it must be remembered there are many other widows and invalids whose conditions are much worse and whom the Government would willingly assist if the financial circumstances of the Dominion permitted. “It is the intention of the Government,” the Minister concluded, “to introduce this session such legislation as may be necessary to deal with miners’ widows’ pensions.”

Air A. At. Samuel: Why did you not say so at first? You have altered your intentions.