AID FOR SOLDIERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21555, 18 January 1940, Page 11

AID FOR SOLDIERS

SCHEME IN LAST WAR PRESENT PLAN SIMILAR The arrangements announced by the Government for making grants through a Soldiers’ Financial Assistance Board to members of New Zealand’s Second Expeditionary Force for meeting obligations lor which their military pay is inadequate, are similar in most respects to those introduced during the latter half of the last war. Regulations were gazetted in January, 1917, providing that, where any compulsory or voluntary recruit showed that his service was a cause of undue hardship to himself or those depending on him, a scheme of financial assistance should be taken into consideration. Same Maximum Grant The purpose for which assistance could be granted were almost identical with those now proposed. Except in exceptional circumstances, financial obligations incurred by reservists after the passing of the Military Service Act. 1916. by way of loans, mortgages, agreements to purchase, or In businesses commenced after that date, were not eligible for assistance. The scheme as first introduced provided that payments should not exceed £2 a week, but by an amendment of February 4. 1918, it was provided that the aggregate assistance to any recruit in one year should not exceed £156. which is the same as under the present scheme. In the report of the Defence Expenditure Commission, issued in July, 1918, it was stated that allowances had been granted through the Soldiers’ Financial Assistance Board to 5191 soldiers, the average being about £32 each. In only three or four cases had the maximum been granted. Explaining the system on which the board operated, the report stated that

strict cognisance of each applicant’s financial position and private income was taken. "The board proceeds on the assumption that in the case of a man earning, say, £156 a year in civil life, a clear £9O is enough for the wife to live on and clothe herself,” the report added. "This has first to be provided out of the wife’s separation allowance of 3/- a day and a minimum of 3/6 a day alotted by the soldier out of his pay. This represents £llB/12/6 a year, and deducting the £9O. less than £29 is left for the wife to provide for all other expenses. It is the shortage that the board finds. To the wife of a man who has been earning £OO a year in civil life, a clear £llB/12/6 is allowed for food, clothing, etc., and the board assists with the balance required for house rent, insurance, rates, etc.” The total amount paid out by the board up to March 31, 1919, was £97,258; mortgages, interest, £37,461; rates, £7781; insurance, £59.262; management of businesses, £238; friendly societies, £477; medical, £1860; instalments, £1638; miscellaneous, £llBO. Administrative expenses totalled £16,911.