WIDER SCOPE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 932, 30 November 1933, Page 5

WIDER SCOPE.

Making Amendments to War Pensions Act. DISABLED SOLDIERS. ("Star” Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, November 29. “ I think all returned soldiers and the public generally in New Zealand are seized with the fact that we have a great number of men who are outside the scope of our present pension legislation, but who generally require assistance,” said Mr H. G. Dickie (Patea) in presenting House a Defence Committee report on the War Pensions Amendment Bill, introduced by Mr J. A. Lee (Manukau). The measure sought to make it necessary for the Pensions Department to disprove a returned soldier’s claim for pension, instead of the present system of a man having to prove his claim himself. The committee reported that as the Bill in its present form could not pro- ] ceed, because it involved appropriation, it recommended that the subject matter, with evidence, be referred to the Government with a request for some investigation and action. In presenting the committee’s report Mr Dickie said that the present economic trouble had had the effect of aggravating returned men’s worries, and as they felt the combined effects of those troubles and their- war experiences, there was an ever-increasing number of petitions coming before the House. Tq-day in New Zealand there were many young men breaking down in health. lie contended that the older men who had seen service had really sacrificed less, as they did not have to carve out a future for themselves after thev returned. Replving to Mr Sullivan (Avon), the Hon J. G. Cobbe gave an assurance that the; matter would be very fully investigated. The committee’s report was agreed to.