SOLDIERS AND MARRIAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16581, 3 July 1917, Page 4

SOLDIERS AND MARRIAGE.

PENSIONS FOR WIVES.

CONDITION EXPLAINED. The condition laid down by the Pensions Act respecting the marriage of a soldier while on active service or after his discharge, in relation to the benefits which accrue to his wife under the Pensions Act, were the subject of a statement yesterday by Mr. V. J. Lamer, chairman of the Claims Board and Relief Committee of the Auckland Patriotic Association. It was stated by Mr. Lamer that the Pensions Act dealt very fully with the conditions with which a soldier must comply to entitle his wife to a pension, and as a misapprehension might easily arise, it was most desirable that soldiers contemplating marriage should, become familiar with the provisions of the Act.

"In the first place," said Mr. Lamer, *'a misunderstanding appears to" have arisen in regard to the limit of time allowed for marriage after the discharge of the soldier, where proof of engagement is required. I have received a letter from Sir James Allen, Minister for Defence, in which he emphasises the fact that in the event of a discharged soldier in receipt of a Government pension « marrying within 12 months after his discharge, his wife becomes entitled to a pension, provided proof is given that the engagement existed prior to the soldier leaving for the front.

"The Minister also points out that where a soldier marries while on active service, with the consent of the military authorities, so long as the man is fit and well when he marries, his. wife, in the event of his subsequent disablement or death, will be entitled to the benefits accruing to a soldier's wife under the War Pensions Act, similar to the soldier marrying prior to his enlistment. The wife in this case also becomes entitled by her marriage, to receive the usual separation allowance.

"It should also be borne in mind " added Mr. Lamer, "that if a soldier not being engaged prior to embarking marries after he has been disabled by wounds or sickness, he does not thereby entitle his wife to receive any benefits under the Pensions Act."