THE OLD AGE PENSIONS DEPARTMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12175, 22 January 1903, Page 5

THE OLD AGE PENSIONS DEPARTMENT.

• CHANGES IK Auckland. Ma. John Kino who lias been the local chief of the did age pensions at Auckland during the last four years, has at his special request been relieved of the position, and Mr. Ruddbck has been appointed in his stead;' •'■.-:'/ .' • ; /" ":'■. '

■ Thfe late deputy found the work so laborious, with hijj other official duties, that he resigned at the end Of last November, and at the same time suggested that his successor might be ready Id take over departmental matters at the end of the year. ', Mr. King's necessary attendance at the Court yesterday, in relation to a case .connected with,his late office, how frees him, and since Mr. Ruddock has taken charge his predecessor has given him every cooperation arid assistance, Mr., Miihidßeld, who is the registrar of birth, deaths, and marriages, as Well as the deputy-registrar of old age pensions at Wellington, carhe tip with the hew subordinate of the registrar to also advise him in his routine surroundings, and to render him any necessary aid and instructions requiring attention. . The whole arrangements being nowcomplete, find everything put on a satisfactory footing, Mr. Mansfield is returning to the Empire City to-inbrrow. In connection With the Auckland district, we "are assured that the number of pensioners at the end of March will be at least 100 less than in the previous peribd, and that owing to the complete Court investigations, examination of claimants, and the full details always available at the hearings, the Auckland district has the fewest,recipients in proportion to its population of any of the other centres of the colony. The average amount of pensions is also much smaller than in many other cities, whilst the records aS to petty offences against pensioners during last year was virtually nil. In the resignation of Mr. King the bid people have lo3fc ft ver£ gdod friend.