WOUNDED SOLDIERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 18, 27 October 1942, Page 5

WOUNDED SOLDIERS

WEEKLY ALLOWANCE OF 10/-

BALANCE DEFERRED

The recent sub-leader in the BEACON relative to the position of iai local returned man, who after experiencing action in Libya, and being repatriated home wounded l was only receiving 10/- per week has been the means of throwing- light upon the position. The matter has been elucidated by a portrayal of the facts as they exist and obtain to-day in the case of all such men who have been dis-! charged from the army. A single week. Of this sum he is allowed, but man receives his full £3 14s; (id per 10/- for incidental expenses for the duration of the time he is in hospital. The balance is held as deferred pay by the Social Security to be handed over to the individual upon discharge from, the institution. Should however a certain portion of the balance be required for genuine contingencies or dependents it can be diverted for such purpose upon application to Wellington. The money may after three months be also lodged at interest in the recipients name should it be so desired, and upon application being made. It. is therefore erroneous to surmise that the 10/- is the sum total of all a man receives Avhilst undergoing hospital treatment, but at the same time the paucity of such allowance appears to be conn pletely out. of tune with the Dominion's usual liberality in dealing with the men who have been injured in their country's service. A letter to Wellington on the above seeking the fullest information has already been despatched and until its arrival it would probablj T be wise to suspend judgment till the full facts are available.