8.—6

XXIV

The operations of the firewood depot have been extended in order to cope with the increased demand created by the shortage of coal for domestic purposes. PENSIONS. Under this head the amounts paid during the year, excluding war pensions, are as follows : — Statutory Allowance under Total Pensions. Finance Act. Pensions. £ £ £ Old-age pensions .... 473,059 259,909 732,968 Widows'pensions .... 136,815 .... 136,815 Military (Maori War) .... 35,596 9,489 45,085 Miners' pensions .... 16,652 .... 16,652 Totals .... £662,122 £269,398 £931,520 This shows the total payment as £931,520, but against this must be credited the sum of £37,815, representing £33,851 from national endowments on account of old-age pensions and £3,964 from gold duty in respect of miners' pensions, making the net charge against the State £893,705. The allowance under the Finance Act, 1917, by way of bonus was incorporated in the widows' and miners' pensions in the increases granted by the amending legislation of last year. The bonus in respect of old-age and military pensions can be continued until January, 1921, and legislation making the bonus permanent will be introduced this session. The annual value, the total number in force at close of year, and the amount of the average pension, are as follows : — ______ Allowance A Statutory _ TJV m , , Average Nnmhov t> • under Finance Total. „ -° JNumDer. Pensions. . , Pension £ £ £ £ Old-age pensions .... 19,993 471,826 259,909 .731,735 36 Widows'pensions .... 3,444 185,968 .... 185,968 54 Military (Maori War* 939 33,804 9,490 43,294 46 Miners'pensions .... 415 23,543 .... 23,543 56 24,791 £715,141 £269,399 £984,540 There has been an increase in each class of pension during the year, with the exception of military pensions, and the following figures set out the particulars: — New Grants. n _/,'■ Increase. Decrease. Cancellations. Old-age pensions .... 2,289 2,168 121 Widows' pensions .... 767 534 233 Military pensions .... 5 106 .... 101 Miners' pensions .... 237 62 175 It is proposed to introduce legislation permitting military and miner pensioners to draw their pensions notwithstanding temporary absence from the Dominion. Wae Pensions. The total payments under this head for the year show an increase on the previous year as follows :• — 1918-19. 1919-20. £ £ Payments made in New Zealand 1,159,455 1,752,900 Payments made in London .... 28,623 58,447 Payments made in Australia .... 10,870 Payments made in Canada .... 192 474 Other foreign payments.... .... 295 258 Allotments paid after casualty .... 120 Lump-sum payments .... .... 200 340 Totals .... ....£1,199,755 £1,812,419