N.Z. PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1932, Page 5

N.Z. PARLIAMENT

WIDOWS’ PENSIONS ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. (Per Press Association — Copyright.) WELLINGTON, September 28. In the House of Representatives yesterday, the Gaming Amendment Bill (Mr H. T. Armstrong), which proposes ha : licence bookmakers, was head a first time.

A statement relating to miners’ widows’ was made by Mr Cobhe who referred to the undertaking given by Mr Coates during the committee stage of the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill last .session. He said that Mr Coates had stated “The question will be considered during the recess and another opportunity to review th 6 matter will be given.”* No promise Had been given that legislation would be introduced to restore the miners’ widows’ pensions. .Continuing, Mr Cobbe sa:d “The undertaking given by 'Mr Coates involved a' thorough investigation of the whole /iueotion of 'miners’ widows’ pensions, and I gave instructions that such an investigation should be made. , I wi*h’ to make it quite clear that the .undertaking given has been fully carried out.”

Tho -Minister safe! that the total number of widows in receipt of pensions was 408. Of these 202 were m receipt of two pensions and a few of them of three pensions, ranging from £9O to '£l3o. ' In addition, there .were fifty-one who .were .receiving only miners’ widows’ pensions, but- who had qualified for the old age pen-ion.

Of 155 cases remaining there were' forty-six who, for one reason or another, have not disclosed tlhe'ir circumstances. MOf some of these, we have reason to believe they are in comfortable circumstances. There are twentyseven in such circumstances that there is no reason for granting them pensions. “The 82 cases remaining will all be dealt with in an equitable, .sympathetic manner. It may be further pointed out that some miners’ widows in receipt of pensions are quite young women) from twenty-five years up. “'lt is the intention of the Government to introduce this session!, such •legislnijfpn as may fie necessary to deal with miners’ widows’ pensions.’'’ A formal Addresg-in-Reply motion was moved at 7.30 p.m. by., Mr J. NMassey (Franklin) and. seconded, by Mr P. McSkimming (Clutha). The, debate was adjourned' on the motion of the leader of the opposition, th e House rising at 8.40 p.m. SITTING HOURS. , WELLINGTON, September 27. The Prime Minister to-day announced that from to-morrow the Government intends to have the night sittings of th e House extend until midnight, until furt’her notice. There arc stated to have been , negotiations to shorten the debate on the Addregs-in-Reply, but, nothing was agreed,;Oii in that regard.