FINANCIAL HELP.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 7916, 9 August 1917, Page 3

FINANCIAL HELP.

FOR SOLDIERS ON SERVICE. WELLINGTON, Last night. A return showing the number of cases in which financial assistance to soldiers had been approved up to July 31st, 1917, was laid on the table of the House of Representatives by the Hon. Sir James Allen (Minister for Defence). The Minister stated that up to June 30th, 349 cases had been approved, the amount per annum involved being £9347 11s 9d; and during July 624 cases had been approved, involving the sum of £19,949 10s 7d a year. The gross totals were, therefore —973 cases approved; amount per annum involved, £28,842 2s 4d. In addition 462 cases, in which grants had been authorised, could not be submitted for approval until the obligations had been verified and the exact figures ascertained.

Of the 973 aproved cases, 48, involving £1854 per year, are balloted appellants; 152, involving £4637, balloted non-appellants; 359, involving £11,202, voluntary recruits; and 414, involving £11,146 a year, members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

A lengthy discussion took place, in the course of which Messrs Ell, Poland and other members urged that part salaries should be paid for all public servants enrolled, not only for officer teachers, raihvaymen, post office men, and wireless operators engaged for special duties, or that at least the war risk loading on their insurance premiums should be paid by the Government. Messrs Veitch, Talbot and Anderson urged the claims of the Friendly Societies for further assistance, in view of the heavy financial responsibilities thrown on them because of the war. Sir James Allen stated that under the regulations assistance w’as given in the case of insurance premiums, but the total assistance in respect of mortgage interest, rent, time payments on house and furniture, insurance, etc., was limited to £2 a week. Mr McCombs declared that financial assistance, in the case of men with property interests, was at once given by a Government controlled by property; but when the Second Division men asked for greater consideration for their wives and families, they were told that they must wait till Parliament made provision for them. Sir James Allen strongly contested this point of view.