SOLDIERS' FAMILIES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 219, 5 June 1918, Page 4

SOLDIERS' FAMILIES

POSITION OP "OTHER DEPENDANTS." It whs announced recently that Cabinet hoi decided that in the case of relatives of a soldier, other tlmn wife, child, and widowed mother, allowances would be paid under certain conditions. If the ro lative had been in fact dependent on tlw soldier for a period of twelve months prior to enlistment, an allowanco would be paid equivalent to tho amount paid by tho-soldier, with a maximum limitation of 10s. (id. a week. A correspondent, who has made aii application under this heading, asks: (1) If any such payments have yet been made; (2) how the claim should be made; and (3) on . what statement as to former dependence on tho soldier will payment bo based. It is stated officially that payments of this kind have already been mailc. Tho system took effect as from May 1. Applications have to be made to the Pay Oflice, 'Wellington. Special forms are being printed and will be available within a few days. They will l>o supplied on application to the Pay Office or the branch pay offices, and will also be made' available through the patriotic societies and other organisations. The proof of dependence required is a sworn statement made before a Justice of the Peace or a solicitor. Tho dependence must have existed for twelve months before the enlistment of the soldier. Tho claim having been established, the Pay Office will mako an allowanco equivalent to tho amount formerly provided by the soldier, up to the maximum of 10s. 6d. a week.