RETURNED SERVICEMEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24251, 17 April 1942, Page 6

RETURNED SERVICEMEN

PENSIONS INCREASE SOUGHTi . (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Thursday The Dominion executive of the Raturned Services' Association decided, riew of the further wage increase granted by the Arbitration Court t» award workers, to renew representations to the Government for increases in economic and dependants' pensions, and in dependants' allowances. It was pointed out that the Court awarded the increase because of th» rising cost of living, and it was emphasised that there had been no increase in . the economic pension rate since 1923. The association has been advised by the Minister of Housing, the Hon. T. Armstrong, that he wholeheartedly approves of its representations that a minimum of 25 per cent of State rental houses should be made available to servicemen now returning from the war. The association decided to advocate an increased percentage when men are returning to civil life in increasing numbers. After discussing a report that £7 10s mufti allowance be granted to inembets of the forces who had not served overseas but who had served at least a year's full time continuous service, andI that £l2 10s be granted to members who had served overseas subsequent to their discharge, the executive decided to ask on what principle the distinction was made.