THE DISABLED EX-SOLDIER

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1930, Page 8

THE DISABLED EX-SOLDIER

ASSISTANCE SCHEME

FINANCIAL PROVISION TO BE MADE.

WELLINGTON, September 27

The announcement was made by the Minister in Charge of the Pensions Department (the FI on J. G. Cobbe) in the House of Representatievs yesterday that a. measure of assistance has been practically decided on for the benefit of disabled ex-soldiers.

Mr Coates, leader of the. Opposition, asked, when the opportunity would be fiven for the House to discuss the report, of the, Ex-soldiers’: Rehabilitation Qommissiop. He said he had • received otters from all parts of the Donm

concerning, the question, whioh called for. fairly,urgent action in the direction of giving 'relief. to, the numerous men who were falling by the way and' whose condition medical men were unable to ' ittribute;.to war service. ■ -ro The Minister said that a promise had been given that the report would be debated. The Government had given consideration to several matters arising out of the report of the Oornmissionj and a definite promise had been given that some financial prbvison would be made in, a finance measure before the end of the : session'. The most recommendation made by the Gonimission was in respect to the, setting up of a body to wet practically independently of■ the tPensions ■Department,-, Negotiations:;had been ■ taking pi ape -with the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and <after further consideration by Cabinet ho l hoped th:“ an understanding would| he “ reached with the, associatian which ;would be satisfactory, to all concerned.. He added .that ,tq giye* effect to th,e whole of the Commission! s, .recommendation would be too costly for the Government to undertake. There had been a feeling that the Government had been callous concerning the disabled soldiers, but that was not so.