SCHEME 13 MEN

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 156, 28 March 1939, Page 13

SCHEME 13 MEN

Likelihood Of Financial Stress U.S.A. EXECUTIVE’S CONCERN Dominion Special Service. CHRISTCHURCH, March 28. A serious view of Hie financial stress which its members GO years of age or over engaged on scheme No. 13 would suffer through having to depend on their final week's wages to sustain them and their families till April 23. when the first benefits under the Social Security Act will be paid, is taken by the executive of the Christchurch branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. The executive decided tonight to make direct and immediate representations to the Minister of Social Security. Mr. Nash.

Mr. A. E. Haynes, president, said that men who may have been earning a decent wage would cense employment at the end of March, being 60 years of age. They had been receiving £4 15/- weekly and would now receive £3 weekly for themselves and their wives as an age benefit.

“The point is that between the end of March and the first payment of the age benefit there is a lapse of three weeks." said Mr. Haynes. “Our general assistance committee is concerned about the number of our men who we know are in somewhat difficult circnmstauces. Their last wage is not sufficient to tide them over for nearly four weeks. We feel the matter is so urgent that we should take it up with the local members of Parliament and stress the position of these men. Undoubtedly they will lie in a very desperate position.” Mr. A. L. Emerson: What about the ease of Hie man whose wife is not GO years of age? Won’t be be in a bad position? The president: His case will be infinitely worse. Mr. H. E. Denton said the question was so urgent that it. trould pay the association to send a deputation to the Minister in Wellington. He knew that Mr. Nash was very sympathetic. His suggestion was adopted and the president' and he were appointed to visit Wellington.

Mr. J. D. Godfrey remarked that, personally he could not, conceive that the Government was unaware of the situation. A letter would do as much good as a deputation.