New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 3, 28 November 1916, Page 5

New Zealand

THE FfRST BALLOT, Per Press Association. Wellington, November 25. J t is stated tiiat- the inauguration <>{ the ballot .was specially welcomed by the permanent staff men, who have ’hitherto not been allowed to volunteer tor service a oread, and have

had to remain behind and do their duty in New Zealand as ordered. 51 any of those men were included in the First- Division Reserve, and In the first ballot several bad their names drawn. The Defence Department being in the same position as other employers so far as appeals are concerned, is obliged, if it- desires to retain > a man as indispensable, to n;ake good its case before the Appeal Board. The authorities do not desire to deny such men as have the luck in drawing a winning marble the opportunity of service abroad, which they have been awaiting' so long. The Depar Ghent announces, therefore.

that it will not exercise its right of appeal as employer for - those men to be retained in New Zealand if it can possibly spare them. In the present case the Department will not appeal.

PENSIONS BOARD. Wellington, November 27. The Pensions Board last week uealt with 445 cases, whereof 253 were now claims, 98 applications for. renewal of temporary pensions, 84 reviews of annual pensions, and eight special. .Eleven soldier applicants were <dveu permanent pensions and 6<t temporary allowances, and six were refused. One hundred and forty-,three dependents were granted pensions, and eleven temporary .al-

lowances, twelve being refused, ami three adjourned. Of the renewal of applications, 6S were continued, 23 determined, and seven converted into permanent pensions. Of the pensions reviewed, all were continued except one, which was adjourned for medical report.

The pensions and allowances granted last week involved a total annual liability of £10,609. The total granted to date is 3021 soldiers’ claims, and 1941 dependents nett, the annual chargfe on the State now reaching £209,023.