WAR SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1933, Page 6

WAR SERVICE

ANOMALY IN PENSIONS LAW

EX-SOLDIER PENALISED. *

(Per Press Association —* Lopyright )

GISBORNE, February 13

A remarkable anomaly in the pensions Jaw as it affects men who served abroad witli the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has. been disclosed by the investigations of the Gisborne branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

Under tlie Pensions Act a person absent from the Dominion for a period of more than two years lias to add a corresponding term before becoming eligible for tiio old age pension, That this provision applies to terms of service with the Expeditionary Force was explained to the R.S.A. when it sought ai pension for an elderly man who had attained the statutory age but was advised that, as he had been absent at the war for more than two years he would require to wait that much longor.

It was at first thought that this disqualification was due to the man having served with the imperial forces, but investigation made by the association headquarters showed that the Pensions Act has never been amended to make any provision for the absence from the country of members of the Dominion’s own forces. The matter Ims now been taken up by several members of Parliament, and it is anticipated that aii alteration wilt be made in the law at the first'opportunity. t