WAR PENSIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25237, 28 May 1943, Page 2

WAR PENSIONS

REQUESTS BY R.S.A. AMENDMENTS PROMISED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 27. By 74 votes to 21 the delegates to the Dominion conference of the N.Z.R.S.A. supported the resolution of a sub-com-mittee which was set up to consider the matter of an increase in the disability pensions to £3 a week, the economic pension to £1 15s a week, the wife’s pension to £1 5s a week, and the pension for' each child to 12s 6d a week. The following further recommendations of the sub-committee were also adopted:— Widow’s pension: A 50 per cent. Increase to £3 a week, plus an economic pension of £1 15s a week and 12s 6d for each child. Widow, without children: £2 5s a week, plus an economic pension of £1 ci week The sub-committee also recommended a corresponding increase in widowed mothers’, orphaned children s, and war veterans’ allowances. On the question of onus of proof suggested amendments providing for complete acceptance of grade I men, and placing the onus of proof on the department, were anproved in principle, and referred to the Dominion Executive. * A deputation waited on the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, and the Minister of Finance, Mr W. Nash, this morning, and, reporting back to the conference, the president, Mr W. Perry, M.L.C., said the discussion had been very satisfactory. He was allowed to say that the question of onus had been satisfactorily settled from the association’s point of view, and legislation would come before Parliament this session. A War Pensions Amendment Bill and a consolidating measure would both be discussed in draft form by representatives of the R.S.A. before their presentation to Parliament. Mr Perry added that he would be at liberty to reveal more of what had takeij place after the Eudget was presented. \ <