WAR PENSIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, 26 September 1916, Page 2

WAR PENSIONS

(United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 25. Sitting in Wellington last wea'c, iim War 'Pensions Board dealt with 163 cases—lll new claims and 52 renevv-ils. Of the new claims 49 were from so'diers, and were dealt with as follows: iNine were granted pensions, 33 were granted allowances, 5 were nnd 2 were adjourned. Of the remaining 62 claims, whicli were from dependents, 14 were pensions and 8 were given allowances, 10 were declined, and 3 were <idj<.ui md. Of 52 applications for ren >wais, 34 were extended for a further y eriod (15 being put nn final payment), in ".2 c;.tes it was decided that pay should <.<_-.se forthwith, and 2 were adjournal for further information. Three cases were converted to permanent pensions. In the case of an application for an increase, it was decided to make no change. The following is a summary of war pensions to date: Soldiers, 754 pensions, 2107 allowances, 278 declined, 17 adjourned, 38 in hand. Dependents, 1028 pensions, 108 allowances, 102 declined. 8 adjourned. From a 'financial point of view the position is as under : Soldiers. 754 pensions of an annual vaine of £40,985, or an average of £54. Wives. 221 : pensions (with 342 children'). £21.527 per annum, or an avei'age of £97. Other dependents, 807 pensions of an annual value of £23,923. or an average of £29. Total, 1782 Tensions, of an annual value of. £86,435. In addition 2215 allowances are heing paid at an annual rate of £108,406. This brings the total numiber of persons drawing pensions up to 3997, and the annual value is £194,841, or an average pension of £4B . s