RELIEF FOR INFLUENZA SUFFERERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1919, Page 5

RELIEF FOR INFLUENZA SUFFERERS.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER • | * By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchui'ch, Feb. 1> >!■ A statement v.aa made to-day by the t • Hon. Q. W Russell regarding pensions ■ ! to sufferers by the epidemic., tie said the relations of the Governnierit to sui* , ferers by the epidemic was discussed by Cabinet yesteruay, when i'. wn3 resolved that the administration o: widows ftiid assistance to widowers with children will be under the administration of the Minister of Public Health, while oi-phufcn v- iii come under Hie admtiiist.vauoa or lite Miliisle.- of Education, who 3dmiuiete;n the Infant Life Protection Act. The government does not niopose ia pensio/i w;jmeii left aB widows without chiMce'!, but, il' in necessitous eireuinstasU'es, tlie/ will be required to inak-i application to the hospital board in iis ur.iiuar/ cupa-' city for affording relief. The Cove.ruiif.it j will not, without the authority c/ .l\ir- ,| liament, lay down the principle thai | dows without children sliaii bs tr«.;s'J /. differently from others who bavj otdiiiu f widows from other causes The wniow will only bo assisted when necessary I'or ' Uio sake ot the children. U is not proposed that a woman shall be e/mided it» >■< jead an idle life because she has one ■>!* two children. The mother >;iuct Oe _.i- i couraged to help herself. t In the case of widowers, usrfistaficc will' i be given only wheru the man's earning* f arc insunicierit to provide for the child J and for the women to keep the home tt>* . | gether. Possession of property will not ■'i be held to Do a disqualification unless the , income derived from the property is sufficient to provide for the widow and her child. Cabinet has approved of the payment ' to a widow or widower for herself or himself up to 25a a week where it If considered necessary in the Interests of the <child, and this will be given where absolutely necessary.