REHABILITATION AND PENSIONS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 101, 23 January 1943, Page 7

REHABILITATION AND PENSIONS

Government Approached PLEAS EY 2ND N.Z.E.F. ASSOCIATION

Interests of returned servicemen were discussed by Dominion representatives of the 2nd N.Z.E.E. Association at* a conference held in Wellington this week, according to a stateinent issued last night by Mr. T. H. Nixon, Dominion secretary of the association. Conferences were later held with the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, the Minister of Defence, Mr, Jones, Mr. Coates, member of the War Cabinet, Mr. Moohan, chairman of the Rehabilitation Board, and associated heads of various Government departments. The Prime Minister said he was at all times pleased to welcome and receive the representatives of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. Association, and Hint their representations would receive the careful consideration of the Government.

Among the points discussed with the Government and departmental heads were the questions of substantial increases in the soldiers’, widows’ and orphans’ pensions, a complete reorganization in the constitution of the Pensions and Appeal Boards, the shifting of the burden of proof of war service disability from the soldier to the Pensions Department, and other provisions for ensuring that the returned soldier and his dependents will not suffer from the time lag, which has been criticised. The delegation advocated a basic minimum (for 100 tier cent, disability) of £5/10/- a week, in lieu of the old rate of £2, with corresponding increases to the widows and orphans. Other matters discussed were the mufti allowances and leave without pay. Mi'. E. L. Thwaites, the Dominion president of the association, iu a statement to the Press last night, said the delegation received sympathy and attention to all representations made. It was assured that the amount involved in compensating returned men, and in rehabilitating them, would not be measured in implementing promises of not only a just, but a generous treatment, on their return.