MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10606, 3 June 1920, Page 3

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS

HON. J. G. COATES AT DARQAVILLB. PBB PEESS ASSOCIATION. DARGAVILLE, Juno 2. The Hon. J. G. Coates, .Minister Tot Public Works and Defence and Post-master-General, arrived iu Dargavillo on Tuesday morning, anil during the day several deputations wqro received. In the evening a smoko concert nan tendered to the Minister by the Mayor and members of the various local bodies. There ivas a largo attendmice, and the Mayor (Mr 11. E. Hornblow) presided. The ‘following interesting figures in regard to war pensions wore given by tho Minister. To March 31st last permanent pensions to soldiers totalled 2130 pensions, of an annual value of £126,510; average pension, £59 per annum. Temporary pensions, 23,144, value £1,223,343, average £52; dependents’, 1517, value £88,473, average 4158; widows’, 2075, value £208,096; children’s 1452, average £IXS; other dependents of deceased 5705, value £192,347; children 2315, average £34 i total number 34,571, valued £1,865,245, average per annum £54. Tho total payments made in respect of war pensions during tho year ending March 31sfc last amounted to £1.773,042, and tho total amount paid by the department last year was: War pensions £1,773,642, old ago £732,966, widows’ £136,815, Maori war pensions £45,095, minors’ pensions £16,652, total £2,705,160. Tho Minister left by motor this morning for TTuarau to catch the train fur Auckland.