SOLDIER MORTGAGORS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 261, 31 July 1919, Page 4

SOLDIER MORTGAGORS

A BASE FOR LEGISLATION. At yesterday's meeting of the Wellington War Relief Association's Executive Committee the following letter .from the South Canterbury Patriotic Relief Society (Timaru) was read:— "Dear Sir,—We have had within the last month no less than three cases inwhich the Government Advances to Settlers Office have written demanding payment of arrears of principal which have occurred during the soldier's absence on service. As in almost overy case tho whole of the military pay and allow-' ances have been used in the maintenance of dependants, my committee is of opinion that the State Advances to Settlers' Office should capitalise these amounts,--and- allow them to be paid in at the end of the ordinary period of the repayment 'of the mortgage. The suggestion' was made to the superintendent, but he replied that he had no discretion, and that it would require amended legislation to enable him to do it. I have to-day written to the Minister of Finance suggesting that this amending legislation might bo introduced in the coming session, and would suggest that if .you have any similar cases in your district that you should also write to the Minister supporting the suggestion, if it meets with the approval of your committee. There must •be hundreds of similar cases throughout the Dominion, and the main difficulty is that while these arrears ard still outstanding the mortgagor is not entitled to the usual rebate. Trusting that the suggestion may meet with your approval.-I am, etc., W. D. Rcvell, secretary." _ _■. , 'Die chairman (Mr. L. 0. H. Tripp) said that similay cases had occurred, and at a previous meeting had been brought forward by Mr. John, Hutcheson, who had pointed out the pos'ition that certain soldier-mortgagors had found themselves in on returning from tho front. On the motion of Mr. Hutcheson it was vesolved to endorse the action taken by the Timaru society, which means that the Minister will be "written to urging/ amended legislation to meet the cases mentioned. '