PENSION GRANTS

Southland Times, Issue 25385, 12 September 1935, Page 6

PENSION GRANTS

“BURNT-OUT” SOLDIERS PROVISION EXPECTED IN BUDGET INVALIDS’ POSITION (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, September 11. Although the Government’s plans regarding legislation providing for increased pension grants in certain cases have not yet been officially announced, it is understood that the Budget to be introduced by the Minister of Finance next Tuesday will make reference to at least two important aspects of the pension problem. It is regarded as certain that provision will be made in the Budget for a pension for men who have served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force afid who have suffered no war disability, but who have since developed symptoms which in the ordinary course of events would have entitled them to a pension. It is known that this proposal is at present receiving the attention of Cabinet Ministers and it would not be surprising if a proposal were included in the Budget providing for the payment of a pension to “burntout” men. It is estimated that the cost of providing pensions for “burntout” men would approximate £lOO,000, and whether the Budget would be able to carry this load is a matter for consideration. It is understood that the question of providing pensions for invalids, is at present receiving the serious consideration of the Government. For some years past the Labour Member for Westland, Mr J. O’Brien, has urged that provision should be made for those who find themselves unable to meet existing economic circumstances and it is stated that the Government has plans to provide some measure of relief for invalid pensioners. Whether the Government’s proposals will come up to the suggestion of the Labour Party that a pension of £1 a week, plus 10/- for every dependant, for invalids is a matter for conjecture and the Government’s intention will not be revealed until the Budget is presented by the Minister of Finance. It was ascertained to-day that the Minister of Pensions, the Hon. J. G. Cobbc, has before him several schemes for improving the position of pensioners in New Zealand, but when interviewed the Minister declined to make any statement as to the Government’s intentions. . “All you can do,” said Mr Cobbe, is to wait the presentation of the Budget.” ,