Approves Government Rehabilitation Proposals

Northern Advocate, 18 May 1943, Page 2

Approves Government Rehabilitation Proposals

“The Government proposals regarding rehabilitation are in the main excellent and if they are executed in a similar manner, will leave little cause for complaint. However, it seems desirable that men returned from overseas and who are classed Grade 111. should be discharged from the army instead of being given leave without pay. If these men are discharged they will be entitled to the benefits of the rehabilitation proposals.” This comment was made by the president (Mr. G. A. R. McKoyt in his report to the annual meeting of the Northland Next-of-Kin Association held in Whangarei today. The following branches were represented: Mangapai, Otaika, Whangarei Ngawha, Ohaeawai, Pakaraka, Russell, Mititai, Ruawai, Tangiteroria, Marcpiu, and Aranga. The total membership represented was over 500, of which over 200 are atttached to the Whangarei branch. The president said it was desirable and necessary that the association should be represented on the Northland Rehabilitation Board and all local committees. The board comprised seven members but at the first meeting there had been an attendance of only three. House Scarcity “The Government has informed us that 25 per cent of all houses built, building and to be erected will be reserved for the returned soldiers and soliders’ widows,” the president continued. “At the present time in Whangarei we have the position of numerous State houses requiring three to four weeks work to complete them and returned soliders unable to obtain a house. It is desirable that the Government release workers to complete these homes as quickly as possible. “Repeated applications have been made to the Minister with requests asking, that next-of-kin be enabled to procure clothing for prisoners of war, free of charge on production of coupons, or at the same rate as soldiers in New Zealand are charged for lost equipment. A certain amount of clothing is now available, namely khaki shirts, and woollen pullovers and sox at a cheap rate. After a period of 13 months we have now received word from me Government that funds may now be made available at London or Egypt for prisoners-of-war on their release. Next-of-kin may forward the equivalent of £3O per year. Inadequate Pensions “Since October. 1941, the association has repeatedly brought before the knowledge of the Ministers concerned the inadequacy of pensions payable to servicemen and their dependents. Rate's of pensions payable to servicemen and women are based on those paid for the last war. This means widows are in a worse position in comparison with pensions paid to widows of the great war." “I fully appreciate that an organisation such as this must continue to grow week by week to enable it to be of the greatest value to members, exmembers and dependents of the armed forces and merchant marine. The incoming committee (was urged to give consideration to the advisability of producing a quarterly paper. Some of the country branches had not been able to function as fully as they wished due to the tyre and benzine situation. The president concluded by thanking the members of the executive for their support and all who had assisted the association. Sympathy was extended to all those who have suffered bereavement during the year. Election Year Moves In speaking to his report the president said this was election year and it would be necessary to urge all claims as more likely to get results this year than after the election. The increase in widows and ether pensions would require strong representations to be made. The presidents report was unanimously adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: President. Mr G. A. R. McKoy; vicepresidents. Mr L. Cooke, and the president of each country branch; treasurer, Mr W. R. McKenzie; secretary. Mr H. R. Collier; auditor, Mr W. C. Coote. Tin* executive committee is to be nominated by the members of respective branches at a later date. The treasurer’s report showed the income during the year amounted to ££4/10/6 with a credit balance of £l2/9/8. The report was adopted. Additional Pension Boards That three additional Pension Boards be established in the Dominion, was a remit submitted by the Whangarei branch. The president (Mr. G. A. R. McKoy) could not see how it is possible for one board to carry out the duties required. There were a number of men who were not receiving adequate pensions—men were going back to work, and some were capable of doing 'only a portion of the work they could do prior to enlisting. They were being granted a pension less than the amount they would receive had they not gone back to work. The sole board was going out, and many soldiers' claims were thus being brushed aside and were not receiving the careful consideration they would if more boards were appointed. The number of returned men was increasing rapidly, thereby vastly increasing pension considerations. Mr. W. Connell, seconding, pointed out that where a returned soldier found his re-employment did not agree with him. he could apply to the Pensions Board for further consideration. Mrs. H. W. Crawford considered the appointment of additional boards an excellent suggestion. Mr. McKoy suggested an addition to the remit, that nex-of-kin associations be represented on the Pensions Board. If this were done the position of returned soldiers would be strengthened. The remit was carried unanimously in its amended form.