B—l3

Conclusion In concluding this report on the work of the Board it can be safely stated that the Board, by its operations, enabled the dependants of many servicemen to enjoy a reasonable standard of living during the absence of the breadwinner in the service of his King and country. It is true that there have been a limited number of protests against the decision of the Board to decline applications and requests for an increase in the quantum of assistance which has been granted. That was inevitable having regard to the nature of the assistance dispensed by the Board, but when the numbers of cases dealt with are realized the complaints were few and far between. The Board has never acted in an arbitary manner and has always been prepared to review a case should fresh facts be brought to light or new considerations arise. On the other hand, many servicemen have called to express personally their gratitude for the assistance which was granted, and numerous letters of appreciation have been received. Four letters, typical of many, received from different parts of the Dominion are quoted : Dear Sir, — I take this opportunity on behalf of my wife and self in thanking the members of the Board for their past consideration, promptness in all matters, &c., without which many other servicemen like myself would have been financially distressed during our terms of service. Yours faithfully, (Sgd.) Dear Sir, — Application for renewal of assistance to hand, and I am returning same herewith as my husband finished with the Army on the 18th inst. and is returning to civil occupation and I am no longer entitled to the assistance. I would like to express my appreciation to the Board for their assistance while my husband was in the Army. The promptness in which the cheques were received and the benefit I derived from them makes me very grateful to you. Again thanking you. I remain, Yours gratefully, ( Sg d.) Dear Sir, — Ref. yours of 22nd March. Thank you for the consideration you have shown me. The cheque referred to has arrived, and I can assure you that it has been very greatly appreciated. I agree with your Board that changes in the rate of pay warranted a revision of the case. My chief purpose in writing this letter is to tell you that both my wife and I appreciate the thought, time, and understanding you have devoted to my case, and to express, through you, our appreciation of what the Soldiers' Financial Assistance Board have done for us. If every soldier receives as just a deal as I have received, many a home must have been relieved of a great deal of anxiety. Yours faithfully, (Sgd.) Dear Sir, — I am writing to let you know that my husband has been discharged from the sick and wounded and started on his civilian work to-day, so that the next payment will be made out to the above date and then cancelled. I wish to sincerely thank you for your help and consideration in the past, and I have nothing but the highest regard for the work of the State Advances Corporation. My husband has done business with your organization to get established once more in business and has had all the help and advice which it was possible for them to give him. Thanking you once again. I remain, yours sincerely, (Sgd.) The letters quoted above give a broad indication of the reaction of servicemen generally to the provision which had been made by the Government for assisting them to maintain their dependants in a reasonable degree of comfort whilst they were on service, and also of the manner in which the Board carried out the task which had been allotted to it.

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