EPIDEMIC PENSIONS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 110, 3 February 1919, Page 4

EPIDEMIC PENSIONS

STATEMENT BY MINISTER. By Telegraph-Press Association. Christchurch, February 1. A statement was made to-day by the Hon. G. W. Russell regarding pensions to sufferers from the epidemic. • He said; "The relations of the Government to suffcrers by the epidemic was discussed by Cabinet yesterday, when it was resolved that the" administration .of assistance to widowers with children will be under the Minister of Public Health. Orphans will come under the administration of the Minister of Education, who administers the Infant Life Protection Act. The Government does' not propose to pension the women left as widows without children, but if in necessitous circumstances they will be required to niako application to a hospital board in its ordinary capacity for affording relief. The Gov. eminent will not without the authority of Parliament lay down the principle that widows without children shall bo treated differently from others who have become widows from other causes. Ihe widow will only be assisted when neees. sary for the sake of the children. It is not proposed that a woman shall be enabled to lead an idle life because she has one or two childffn. The mother must be encouraged to help herself, lh the case of widowers assistance will be given only where the ans earnings are insufficient. Possession of property will not bo held to be a disqualification, unless the incomes derived from property is sufficient to provide for the widow and her child. Cabinet has approved of payment to a widow or a widower for herself or himself up to 255. a week, where it is considered necessarv in the interest of the child, and this will he given where absolutely necessary." Westminster Hospital has received iIOOO from Lord Glenconner as a thank offering for peace. Wellington merchants desire all storekeepers to forward their orders immediately for "NO RUBBING" Laundry Help, "GOLDEN RULE" soap in fancy cartons. "GOLDEN RULE'' candles, "KEEP SMILING" sandsoap, "WORLDLIFTING" Envelopes, and "THIN& ER" brand .of stationety^Wvt.',