WIDOWED MOTHERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 96, 17 January 1919, Page 5

WIDOWED MOTHERS

QUESTION OF SEPARATION ' ■ ALLOWANCE. The regulations governing the grant of widowed mothers' separation allowance were apparently not framed : to cover the various cases which are now cropping up. From time to time since tho war commenced new regulations and amendments have been issued, and those on service, as well as dependants, were not always-cognisant of the position respecting allowances. A case hi which two boys are the particular sufferers has recently come under, the notice of the local Returned Soldiers' Association. The only two sons of a widowed mother went on service some throe and a half years ago, and recently returned to lind that thejr parent is ineligible for the widowed mothers' separation allowance for, the reason that she is hi receipt of allotments from both boys. Both sons allotted a portion of their pay, and to go to the front sacrificed their civil positions, arid 1 during the whole time they have been away they have been unable "to save any money with which to set them up ill their careers again. General Order, No. 320, of July, 1918, specifies, that a separation allowance pt Is. 6d; a day will be paid k widowed mothers who have one sou serving in the N.Z.E.F., provided that sou makes an allotment of 3s. per diem. If there are two sons serving, no separation allowance, is payable'.. Both sous now find that all their allotment has been eaten up in the support of their widowed mother, and they consider that they are suffering a' great injustice in hot being able to obtain for their parent the widowed mother's separation ■allowance of Is. 6d. per diem. "■ The association is taking steps to have the matter brought under the notice of the Minister of Defence. •