SOLDIERS’ PENSIONS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 2878, 2 December 1921, Page 5

SOLDIERS’ PENSIONS.

INCREASES WANTED. Electric Telegraph—Press Association Wellington, December 1. ,\ deputation representing the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association interviewed the Prime Minister and .Minister of Defence this morning in support of the Association’s claim for (I) increased pensions to heavily iin apaeit ated men and for widows with children, and widowed mothers of fallen soldiers; (2) th e re-grading of the present pension schedule, and tic* re-classification of |>ensioners. Sir Andrew Russell and .Messrs Smith and Leadlcy were the speakers. In the course, of a frank reply, in which In- carefully traversed the present financial position of tin* Dominion. and the Government's policy in <on nection therewith. the Prime Minister stated that he would not say one word against the justice -of Liu* Association’s claims, lie indicated that in better times Ik*, would probably recommend Cabinet to meet them, and lie promi st<| that tin* re-grading and reclassification asked for would be granted, and tlmt a Commission would In* set up ii> investigate and i report on the increased pensions • asked for. fn replv io questions, Air 1 Massey indicated his agreement that 1 the Commission should sit during I the recess, and report at an early 1 da to* sind that the New Zealand 1 Returned Soldiers’ Association should he consulted as to its personnel. -I