SOLDIERS' WILLS.

Taihape Daily Times, 10 June 1919, Page 6

SOLDIERS' WILLS.

WELLINGTON, June '3. VVhile the training and equipment of soldiers was the chief activity of the Defence Department during the war, it also concerned itself with :1 number -if other matters affecting the m(:n’s welfare and convenience. It establisnatl ta legal bureau in connection with the tlilxpeditionary Force, to systematieall'_,' K secure from the soldiers infonnzition as j to whether they had made a will, and if I not, to enable them to do so. "..‘he leg.il tbureau, which had its lle.'ulqu:n'ters in London, has completed its work, and the staff will shortly sail for New Zealand. About 40,000 soldiers’ wills have rzlready been forwarded to base records, which is now getting into touch with the owners, or the administrators in case of decease. The latter class nf will is forwarded by the Pay Dep:.-.rt-ment_ which adjusts the deceased sol‘)icr’s account and sends the will to the administrator. It is noticeable that the niajority of the men have appointed the l’lll'»}ic Trustee es executor. The wills of men who have returned and been discharged are being forwarded to them bv registered post, when Base Rec):-ds ha: obtained their correct address. In the case of undischarged soldiers in Newl

Zezihmd, their will is to be forwarded with the parchment certificate of discharge. Where the legal bureau has not received a. will from -the soldier, it has secured a declaration that he does not desire to make a. will, or that one ‘is in existence. .