OTAGO PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19252, 16 August 1924, Page 18

OTAGO PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION.

Following is the report of the Otago Soldiers and Dependents’ Welfare Committee, to bo presented at the quarterly meeting of the I’atriotic and General AVelfaro Association’s meeting on Monday next; The usual weekly meetings of the Claims Committee wore held during the quarter ended July 31, 1924, and a total of 199 applications were investigated and dealt witn. Twelve applications were declined as the assistance required was outside the scope of patriotic work and the balance wore dealt with in accordance with the particular features of each case. Forty-four discharged soldiers were assisted on behalf of other societies, the recommendation of the committee being adopted by the responsible society in each instance, and the expenditure refunded in duo course. Consideration of 22 applications were deferred until further inquiries had been made; these cases were all satisfactorily dealt with eventually. Two applications were referred to the committee's honorary lady visitor, Mrs Park, and were suitably dealt with. Four mortgages wore discharged during the quarter, trio amount loaned by the committee having been repaid in full. It is satisfactory to bo able to report that loan repayments continue to bo made at a satisfactory rate, particularly where the loans were granted to enable men to undertake the purchase of houses. Very little difficulty has so far been experienced in collecting repayments on the bulk of the loans. In seven cases alterations were made in the rate of payments. Three now loans were authorised, those being granted to men whose disabilities bad previously debarred them from availing themselves ot this class of assistance, a registered security being taken in each ease. Seventy-three grants were made totalling £417 9s 3d, and allowances wore granted for varying Periods to 32 applicants at a total outlay of £lO4. A number of these allowances are still current. As usual ex-imperial soldiers and sailors were assisted on behalf of the > J ,eo 'T owners’ Fund and National War bunds 1 Soldiers and Dependents’ Welfare Committee also reports that the receipts including a credit balance of £144 and cash in band £IOO. amount to £1552, and the disbursements to £1135, .leaving a credit balance of £ll7 and cash m hand £IOO.