WHEN MEN “GO WEST”

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3812, 23 September 1936, Page 5

WHEN MEN “GO WEST”

POSITION OF RETURNED SOLDIERS. R.S.A’S. EXPLANATION. There are quite a number of returned soldiers who do not realise the benefits that may accrue to their dependants in case of the breadwinner’s demise, and the New Zealand R.S.A. has had occasion to circularise all branches explaining the position. We give below the context ot the circular sent to the local branch of the ciation:FUNERAL EXPENSES. Many instances have come before tho New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association where relatives of deceased soldiers have, in good faith, had their dear ones laid away irrespective of the thought of cost, or who should pay same, and in a number of cases such action has left a big burden on the shoulders of those responsible, and had the matter been dealt with in the correct way the proceedings would have been carried out just as effectively and the cost would have been either considerably less or met by the responsible source. The funeral expenses of a soldier dying of a war disability whose estate is not deemed to be sufficient to meet the cost, will be paid by the department up to an amount of £l3. To ensure payment ot these expenses in Auckland Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, it is necessary for the funeral to be placed with the department’s contractor, whose name is obtainable from the Registrar of Pensions. The funeral may be arranged either direct with the contractor or through the Registrar of Pensions. The funeral expenses of a soldier, dying of a-war disability, will be paid by the department regardless of the amount ot his estate, if the soldier leaves dependent relatives entitled to war pension. Provision is made whereby in spec ial cases the funeral of a soldier, dying of other than a war disability in destitute circumstances, will be arranged and paid for by the department. If a pensioner dies while a "service” patient in hospital, the reasonable cost of transport of the body to the locality from which he was admitted to hospital, limited to the rates for trains, other than express trains, will be paid by the department in addition to the limit of £l3 referred to above. If in such case a burial takes place elsewhere, no more than the reasonable cost of transport to the locality from which admitted will be paid. SOLDIER BURIAL PLOTS. Another question which accompan ies the above is that of the burial plot, and here again this information is in order to assist all concerned. The majority oi cemeteries through out New Zealand have special plot:, set aside for burial of ex-servicemen. There is generally a sub-division ol each plot into “war grave” and “non war grave” sections. In the event of death being attributed to war service it is possible for the body to be laid in the “war grave’ section of such plot, and to obtain a standard design headstone and concrete kerbing at the cost of the Government, per medium of the WaiGraves Division of Internal Affairs Department. If the death is not in any way due to war service and its effects, the body may be laid in the "non-war grave” section, and in such cases it is possible for the friends or relatives of the deceased to arrange for the erec tion of a standard “non-war grave” stone. The cost of this memorial is £4 12s, plus 7s per dozen words for lettering. The cost is generally about £5 ss. In this instance application is inade to the War Graves Division o. Internal Affairs Department. The first step to take is to supply the local Registrar of Pensions with the full name and regimental number of the deceased soldier, and, if possible, to supply to the Registrar a copy of certificate of death. This will go a long way towards enabling a quick decision as to whether or not tho death is in any way attributable to war service. It may be mentioned that the fun eral which is provided by the contractors to the department is all that could bo desired. OTHER THAN N.Z.E.F. SOLDIERS. Where the deceased soldier served with forces other than the N.Z.E.F., and he or his relatives are destitute, the procedure is exactly the same. SUMMARY. Without fear of being charged with reiteration, we give the general direction again, and as concisely as possible. For New Zealand ex-service men (including New Zealand veterans of the South African ‘ War): In the event of the death of .an ex-service man, who served with the N.Z.E.F. or with a New Zealand Contingent in the South African War, and he, or his dependants, are indigent or destitute, application to the nearest Registrar of War Pensions for burial will enable tho interment to be carried out in a proper manner. The cost, where indigence is proved, being borne by the New Zealand War Pensions Department. For ex-service men of other forces: When an ex-service man of the British or Imperial Forces, or men who served with the forces of other parts ot the Empire expires, the cost of interment, where indigence is shown, will be borne by the New Zealand Government. In the latter category application should also be made to the nearest Registrar of Pensions. CONCLUSION. Therefore, the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association wishes this statement to be made known, for such information is accurate and in accordance with the definite promise given, per medium of Ministers ol the Crown, some years ago—(i.e., that no man who fought for the Empire would be buried as a pauper).