SOLDIERS’ ALLOWANCES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10292, 29 May 1919, Page 5

SOLDIERS’ ALLOWANCES

SOME EXPLANATIONS SIK tfAMES ALLEN AT RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CONFERENCE. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 2S. (fir James Allen attended the Returned Soldiers’ Conference this afternoon, and the debate on political action was temporarily suspended to receive him. The matter of retrospective ollowances was gone into with him and the association’s views fully explained. Sir James Alien said, with regard 10 retrospective allowances, that there had been a difficulty owing to imperfect records. Ho recognised the unfairness ex paying only from the date of embarkation, and his estimate was based on the date of going into camp. Ho, therefore, proposed to pay, in June, what had already been agreed, and if the conference could suggest a, way out ho would pay from the date of attestation, but this would be a second payment. i On- the more difficult question of children’s allowances, he was faced with the fact that, some men with as many ns nine children had enlisted. In some of these cases pensions were being paid, although some of the elder children might not bo receiving a pension. The conference could discuss the matter, Qmd Cabinet would give it full conideration. These men. were not compelled to enlist, and when he knew of the heavy responsibility involved he stopped them. As for those who had gone, increased allowance to children was paid immediately it was authorised, and separation allowances had been paid for men with eight and nine children. So far, however, he did not think retrospective allowances to children were justifiable. WILL HAVE TO MAKE THE BEST OF IT. ■ Speaking of Repatriation, Sir James said it was no use putting men into temporary billets. He had been anxious to have a board of one Minister, but the present, hoard had done much better than was expected. The Act was not what was wanted, but it could not bo altered before next session, and then it would probably be too late, therefore everybody should try and make the best of what they had. With certain amendments, the present machinery would fulfil most of the requirements. He wished to thank the boards for their work. A MATTER OF OPINION. “I understand you have been discussing whether you are to become a political organisation or not,” Sir James added. “I a;|. not going to pass any opixuonNabout that, but in the early stages of the war 1 expressed the candid opinion, and I say it now, that the more you keep put of politics the better."