PENSION FIGURES

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1927, Page 4

PENSION FIGURES

AN INTERESTING REPORT. WELLINGTON, July 29. Some interesting figures are presented in the annual report of the Pensions Department for the year ended March gist, 1927. It is shown that the total number of pensions of all classes in force at that date was 50.103, the annua! value being £2,535,556, and the total payments for the year 1920-27 22,523.229. The pensions are made up as follows: Total

Special Annuities .. 113 10,054; Civil Service Act ... 50 14,059 The cost of the Pensions Bill per head of the European population of the Dominion last year was £1 16s 9d, and the cost of administration £08,212, the percentage to total’ payment being 2.43. The medical treatment of War pensioners tluriijg 192(>-2i cost L 56.311 and railways concessions to war pensioners with disabilities ol more than 50 per rent., £2375. The total number of economic pensions payable as at March 31st, 1927, was 1450 of an annual value ol £37,215. the average annual grant being £(SO. The pensioners included 1147 ex-soldiers and 5103 widows.

No. Payments. Will- ... 20,625 1,128,988 Olil age ... 23.751 982,356 Widows 3.070 301,801 .Maori War 371 19,458 .Minors 0(58 11,940 Epidemic . ... 259 10,951 Blind ... . 232 10,338 Boor War 0-1 2.024