MINERS' WIDOWS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 339, 28 September 1932, Page 5

MINERS' WIDOWS

(Press. Assn.—

THE PENSION CUTS GOVT. LEGISLATION TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION DENIAL OF PROMISE

-By Telegraph— CopjrlghtV.

Wellington, 'tuesday. A- promise that the Goverhnient would introduce such legislation as might he necessary to deal with miriers' widows' pensions was made in the House of Representatives this afternoon by the Minister of Def ence (Hon. J. G. Cohbe) who nefuted the suggestion that a defmite nndertaking to this effect had been given by Mr. Coates Iast session. "it has b'een definiteiy stated in the public press on the authority of a member of this House," said Mr. Cobbe, "that during the committee Stage of the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill Iast session, Mr. Coates gave a definits promise that legislation would be introduced to reStore miners' widows' pensions."' Mr. W. E. Parry (Labour, Auckland Central) : That is so. Mr. F. Langstone (Labour, Waimarino). A promise was giyen. Mr. Cobbe: I have no hesitation in sayirig that no such promise was given in thfe Houste hy Mr. Coates or by aiiy other Minister/ Mr. Parry: That is wrong. That is incorrect. Mr. Langstone: There is no doubt that the promise was made. Mr. Cobbe: I was in the House when Mr. Coates stated in reply to the hon. member for Auckland Central, that the question would be considered during the recess, and that another opportunity to review the position would he given. A member: Those were not the words used." K Mr. Cobbe: That statement involved a thorough investigation of the whole question of miners' widows' pensions and I gave instructions that such an investigation should he made. I wish to make it clear to the House that that Undertaking has been carefully carried out. Mr. Parry: THat is not the position — that is a misrepresentation. None Yet Exp'ired Mr. Cohbe: We have investigated various cases. No pension has yet expired and all the

pensionp up to the present month have already been paid. Mr. Langstone : Some of them have received notices. Mr. Cobbe said that the total numher of miners' widows in receipt of

pension was 4U3. Of these, 202 "were

in receipt of two pensions and a few of them of three pensions ranging from £90 to £130. In addition, there were 51 who were reoeiving only miners' widows' pensions but who had qualified for the old- age pension. Of the 155 cases remaining, there were 46 who for one reason or another had not disclosed their circumstances. Some of these, there was reason to believe, were in comfortable circumstances. There were 27 in such circumstances and there was no reason for granting them pensions. For example, one had invested £1300 in debentures and had upwards of £300 in the bank, another had £3000 invested, a third had £1700 in the bank, a fourth had two unencumbered properties, £800 in Government inscribed stock, and over £230 in the bank. Mr. A. M. Samuel (Govt. Thames): Some Ministers have money also. Mr. P. Fraser (Labour, Wellington Central) : Isn't this confidential information? Government Sympathetic "The remaining cases will be dealt with in an equitable and sympathetic manner," said Mr. Cohbe. "It may further he pointed out that some of the miners' widows are quite young women from 25 years upwards. Much as one may sympathise with the distressing circumstances in which eertain of the miners' widows find themselves, it must be remembered that there are many other widows and invalids whose conditions are much' worse and whom the Government would willingly assist if the financial circumstances of the Dominion permitted. It is the intention of the Government at this session, to introduce such legislation as may be necessary to deal with miners' widows' pensions." Mr Samuel: Why did you not say so at first? You have altered your intentions.