B—6

XXIV

The annual values of the pensions in force at the 31st March, 1921, are as set out hereunder : — m s-n ■ at i Annual Value. Average. Class of Pension. Number. p p ° Soldiers" (permanent) .. .. .. 3,215 183,032 57 Soldiers" (temporary) .. 19,133 1,044,821 55 Dependants (temporary) .. .. .. 1,371 91,149 66 Widows~'of soldiers .. .. .. .. 2,034 226,932 112 Other dependants of deceased soldiers.. . . 6,011 202,931 34 31,764 £1,748,865 £55 The actual payments made to war pensioners since the inception of the warpensions legislation in August, 1915, total £5,608,870. The amending legislation of last year provided for the setting-up of a Medical Appeal Board to deal with cases where the pensioner was not satisfied with the amount of pension allotted, and also cases where pensions had been refused owing to the fact that death or disablement had not been due to or aggravated by war service. This Board has been appointed, and has already held sittings in various parts of the Dominion. Power was also given to the War Pensions Board to expend an additional sum of £50,000 per annum among totally disabled soldiers The full amount has been disbursed between soldiers in hospital, totally blinded soldiers, soldiers suffering from double amputations, and soldiers otherwise totally disabled. NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND AND FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The operations of the National Provident Fund during the last year indicate a substantial rate of progress. The number of new entrants was 6,000, which is a record for any year since the initiation of the scheme. The total contributors at the 31st December, 1920, was 19,724. The contribution income showed a substantial increase, amounting to £110,594, whilst the gross income from all sources amounted to £158,474, compared with £73,872 and £105,498 respectively for the previous year. The total of the fund increased from £338,729 to £473,360. The amount paid out in allowances to annuitants and for widows and children during the year amounted to £5,890. The sum of £31,972 was expended through the fund for maternity allowances —£6,654 to contributors and £25,318 to members of approved friendly societies. The payment of this allowance to the members of approved friendly societies has proved a valuable aid in raising the membership of these institutions. The percentage rate of increase is the highest since 1908. TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS. This Department has had an exceptionally busy year, and the accommodation at the various resorts was taxed to the utmost. The revenue from all sources amounted to £51,038, an increase of £8,820 over the previous year. A large number of visitors was attracted from overseas. The expenditure for the year, which was estimated at £88,474, amounted to £93,619 net. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Lighthouses. New cranes have been erected at Cuvier Island and Stephen Island lighthouses, much facilitating the work of landing stores. New dwellings are now in course of erection at Cape Maria van Diemen lighthouse, and. steps are being taken to erect new ones at Cape Campbell. The automatic lights for Gable End Foreland, Ohena Island, Ninepins, and Taiaroa Head have been received, and the necessary steps will be taken to install them, and also the one ordered for Tiritiri, as opportunity offers.