FALLEN HEROES.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 40, 25 May 1915, Page 3

FALLEN HEROES.

Widows' Pension Question.

Now that many of our New Zealand soldiers have fallen in action, with the certainty of many more casualties, the question of pensions for widows and allowances for the incapacitated mu3t receive the earnest attention of the Government. A statement recently made by the Defence Minister indicated that he had tbe matter under consideration, and no doubt he will have bis scheme in shape in time for the opening of Parliament. In Australia, tbe Federal Government did not wait for its men to fall, but expeditiously drew up a scale of pensions which was passed into law recently. The following are the Cotnmnwealth rates of annuities:—

Practicaffy the same pension is payable *o a member of the Forces on total- incapacity. The rate of £lB Vftr annum may be paid to and to other dependects suf,h rates as are assessed by the tensions Board. In cases of partial incapacity, the Pensions Board will assess the ratts, having regard to ths nature and probable duration of the soldier's injuries. The war pension rates appear reasonable and equitable, making fair provisions for the privates' widows as compared with the officers'. The original scales in England were most inadequate as far as concerned the private and the non-commissioned officer, but the latest scale, recommended in February last by the Committee for War Pensions and Allowances, increases the minimum pension allowance for disablement from 16s 6d to 25s per week. In the case of partial disablement tbc Biiiiih soldier or sailor is to receive such a sum as will bring his total income to this figure. Widows will not fare quite as well in Britain as in Australia, for the Old Country rates provide only 10s a week for a childless widow, increasing to 153 a week at forty-five.

Tfce Biitish allowances for children are to be 5s per week for the first child, 3s 6d per week for the second, and 2s for tbres ar.d more; the Australian rate workß out at 5s per week for each child. In drafting the New Zealand scale of pensions and allowances, Mr Allen will no doubt rind the Australian table of considerable assistancs as a guide and a model.

Pensions payable per Kate of pav of annum to widow on Member per day death of Member. 8. d. &. B. 6 0 52 0 7 0 56 0 9 0 64 0 10 0 68 0 10 6 70 0 11 6 73 0 12 0 74 10 13 0 77 10 17 6 91 0 22 6 91 0 25 0 100 0 30 0 IflS 8 37 6 131 0 45 0 , 146 0 50 0 - 156 0