EX-SOLDIERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22769, 1 July 1937, Page 15

EX-SOLDIERS

Sir, —I have road with much interest the discussion re "Patriotic Funds." Particularly linve T noticed the remarks of Sir G. Biehardson, asking if it were not possible to place more men in the Veterans' Homo. .As there is room for more, .1 do not think it can be too -widely made known that they are prepared to receive applications from men willing to go into this home. But. returned soldiers as a body do not like the idea of entering a home. They have had too much of ■camp and barrack life, and prefer their freedom away from rules and regulations. I do not agree with Sir H. Horton. who says the time is not ripe for filling the homo. Can Sir Henry kindly tell me when it will be? Surely there is no need to wait, in face of the fact that Mr. Lunn said the returned men were dwindling rapidlv. 'lf we wait much longer they will all have dwindled into the cemetery. Jn the last report on the number of New Zealand returned men it was stated over .'3OO were over 70. Thev must have signed on at the age of about 50 or over. Surely it would be only right and proper that these cases should be inquired into and if any are in bad circumstances allow them a special pension of 5s per week over and above their old-ago pension. This would he a Godsend and would provide a lasting benefit and reward for their patriotism. Wo all know that pensions could not be provided for all, but just make a beginning with the older ones and find out by actuarial investigation what cases there are and what funds are required. In course of time no doubt they could provide pensions for men not quite so old. This policy of conserving funds is making us all very tired and is not the donors' wish at all. After all, wo should bear in mind that these funds were subscribed by New Zealanders for New Zealanders, and they should nome first. Funds are being sent out from "England to help the ex-service-men. The writer is a returned man nearly 70, but is not in want of any assistance. He writes on behalf of those who could be assisted. SiXTV-SEVEN.