ADVANCES TO SOLDIERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11251, 1 July 1922, Page 7

ADVANCES TO SOLDIERS

"CASES OF HARDSHIP." Air Wilford stated that the Minister for Lands had made a statement some time ago that the Advances to Soldiers’ Department, which was to have been closed down at the end of this month, \yas not to close down till December 31st. He had beerv concerned in applications to the department during the last few weeks, and the reply received was that that only applied to cases of hardship. He mentioned the case of a man who had his freehold title and wanted an advance, but was told that unless it was a case of hardship, he could not have an advance. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie said that there was a statement made that a certain amount of money would be forthcoming immediately, and.that would enable the department to go a little further than for soiy© time past. As regards shutting down entirely, that was not proposed, apd any returned soldiers who provided sections for themselves were given special*- consideration. Some men, however, had l had applications in for twelve months, and these must come first. The department was taking the more pressing cases first. In any case, T.B. or disabled men ■were given special consideration. The department had to turn down new applications when the shortage name, because it was only misleading men to accept them. He had suggested to the Commissioners, however, that they shotild register the applications and deal with them as it became possible. As money came in the department would be prepared to deaL with all oases. He advised the man referred to by Ihe Leader of the Opposition to register his application. Authority 'had not been given to refuso advances in such cases unless they were cases of hardship. In Teply to questions, tho Hon. G. J. Anderson (Alinister for Labour) denied that advances for workers' dwellings had been shut down.