FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 271, 5 August 1918, Page 6

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

»• "THIS SCHEME IS LIBERAL.'" _ Tho Defence Expenditure Commission) in its report offers the following remarks on the financial assistance to soldiers' scheme:— , , "Through the Financial Assistance) Board, a man going into camp may apply for help to pay, during his absence,, such items as rent of home, interest om mortgage on dwelling; interest and instalments on an agreement for the purchase, of furniture or other chattels, rates and taxes, fire and life insurance premia, or other necessary or reasonable expenses, approved by the board, but not exceeding £3 per week as a maximum. Allowances of this sort have already been made to 5191 6oldiers, the average being about ,£32 each. In very few cases—only three or four—has the maximum beengranted. A married private, with five 'children, successful in getting-,£3 pec week of financial assistance, might cost the State £8 Bs. Gd. per woek; and there> must b9 case 3 where this generous treatment represents a higher income _ than the family bas ever previously enjoyed. A very responsible % and experienced official remained during his evidence, 'I shudder to think what is going to happen when some of the husbar.ds come back' and the inflated pay tinw. conies to an end. Of <ou.rse, in granting assistance the board takes strict cognisance, of each applicant's financial position and. private income. The board ,proceeds on the assumption that in the!case of the. wife of a man earning, say, .£156 per year in civil life, a clear .£9O per year is enough for the wife to live on and clothe herself, and this has first to hs provided out of the wife's separation allowance of 3s. per day tnd «• minimum, of 3s. 6d. per day to be allotted by tho soldier out of his pay; Gs. 6d. per day represents .8118 12s. 6d. per year, so that by deducting £90, less than £29 is left to provide for all other expenses. It is this shortage that the Financial Assistance Board finds. ! To the wife of a. man who has been earning £500 per jear in civil life,'a clear £118 12s. Sd. is allowed for food, clothing, etc., and the board assists with the balance required for house rent, insurance, rates, etc. . undoubtedly this scheme a liberal and shows a progressive spirit en the part or the Government." '