SOLDIERS’ PENSIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 838, 5 December 1929, Page 18

SOLDIERS’ PENSIONS

S.A. VETERANS DISCUSS PROBLEM

EVIDENCE FOR COMMISSION Press Association WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Several matters of importance Lo South African War veterans were discussed at the last meeting of the Dominion executive of the South African War Veterans’ Association. Captain J. J. Clark, Dominion president, presided. Discussion arose regarding the burial of veterans of the South African War residing In New Zealand at the time of their death. In the particular case under notice it was explained that the Internal Affairs Department held that the liability for funeral expenses in such a case had been questioned, for the reason that the deceased had not been a member of the New Zealand forces, but was an Imperial man who had died in the Dominion. The Pensions Department had stated that there was no authority to expend money lo pay the burial expenses of other than members of New Zealand contingents. It was decided that a deputation should wait on the Minister to ascertain the true position. In connection with the evidence lo be tendered to the commission which is now taking evidence throughout the Dominion on pensions, veterans’ homes, and the general rehabilitation of returned soldiers, it was stated that Dunedin and Auckland were advocating the establishment of veterans’ homes, while the Dominion delegates had rejected these proposals at the recent conference. While the local associations had a perfect right to advocate what they believed to be the best course to adopt in the interests of veterans, it was the bounden duty of the executive to advocate before the commission the considered opinions of the Dominion conference, otherwise districts represented at the conference, but which would not be visited by the commission, might be treated unfairly in not having their views placed before the duly authorised tribunal.

It was stated that there was a diversity of opinion on the matter of pensions. Some associations were of the opinion that war pensions at the age of 65 years should be drawn as a right, no matter what the position of the recipient might be. while others held a contrary view. The Dominion executive will present the commission the considered views of the conference, leaving the associations to submit their proposals.