SYRIANS’ RIGHTS.

Taihape Daily Times, 5 August 1919, Page 6

SYRIANS’ RIGHTS.

DEMAND FOR OLD AGE PENSION. WELLINGTON, Aug. 3. A deputati-ons of Syrians from different parts of the Dominion waited on the Hon. Myers, Minister of Pensions, and urged that Syrians should be all owed to receive the old .age pension. Mr O’Regan, who in“tr«oduced the deputa--tion, pointed out that injustice was done ‘by Section 71 -of the Pensions Act, 1913, which precluded Asiatics receiving pensions.

A member of the Deputation pointed out that Syrians were not classed as Asiatics in the Immigration Act. The population of Syria was only about three and ii.-lmlf to four millions, therefore there was no danger of their coming to the country in darge numbers. The Minister promised to place the matter before his colleagues at the earliest possible moment, with a. View to giving consideration to the question of amending the act.