ASSISTANCE TO SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3185, 8 September 1917, Page 7

ASSISTANCE TO SOLDIERS

_ —4 SOME UNWORTHY CLAIMANTS. i In the course of a statement yesterday regarding the work of the Muancial Assistance Board, by which relief is granted to eoldiers,-Sir-James Alleu referred to cases in which unreasonable or dishonest demands had been made upon the board. He appealed to honourable members to assist him by using their endeavours to protect the board and tho country from these fraudulent demands. Tho cases ho cited were as follow:— Case No. 1. A woman with two children.—Tho board granted full rent. Husband was previously earniug .£i per week. Private information lios just been received to the effect that the applicant has purchased a piano for £M on the-instalment system. Applicant has been askerl for an explanation, and as to whether she «m sliow reason why tho board's grant; of rent should not be reduced. The action of the piano agent in arranging sucji a purchase with a soldier's wife certainly lends itself to criticism. Caso No. '1. A woman with one child. —Husband formerly "a tradesman, earning £3 10s. per weok. A few, months after the husband's departure with the reinforcements this applicant purchased furniture, amounting to i!si to. lid. It appears that this furniture is intended for one room only, and comprises: Carpet square, -fill; mirror, ,C 3; brass howl, £\ 2s. Gd.; 2 pictures, £3 55.; settee, -CIO 10s.; carpel: sweeppr, JIl 17s. fid.; 2 palm stands, ,£1 35.; tub chair, M Ins. The balance reprepents expensive curtains, cushions, and covers. >t is understood that this applicant has resided in ttiree or four different towns. Tho board has authorised payment of the rent in this case, but has declined to pass any payment on account of furniture.