DISABLED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 28, 28 October 1919, Page 4

DISABLED SOLDIERS

IMPROVED PROVISIONS SUGGESTED, A question regarding the treatment of permanently disabled men was asked in tho Houso of Representatives last night by Mr. E. P. Lee (Oaniaru), who suggested that these soldiers should either receive an increased allowance or should bo provided with suitable housing in various parts of the country. A. number of permanently disabled men had returned to New Zealand and the present pension and allowance was not enough to keep them in such comfort aa they were entitled to enjoy. Tho Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) replied that the question was a very largo ohe. Homes were being provided for permanent tubercular cases, _ cither near their own homes or in hospitals in their own districts. The treatment of the permanent neurasthenic cases was under consideration. He hoped to be able to make suitable provision for the paralytic cases. A home at Dunedin would shortly be placed at the disposal of the Government for the treatment of permanent cases. The Minister added that a permanently disabled man could drew a pension of £2 a week, an attendance allowance of .£1 a week, and a further allowance of £\ a week in consideration of pre-war circumstances. This mado a total *. week. The question was under consideration. Tho Government was gathering information regarding the permanently disabled men. Mr. J. A. Nash (Palmerston) asked if the Minister would inform the House before the end of the session what would bo the approximate cost of. increasing tlie pension of all permanently disabled soldiers to M a week, regardless of allowance, and if he would favourably coneider the payment of the pension at this rate.

Sir James Allen replied that he would try to get the information.