WELLINGTON NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1915, Page 3

WELLINGTON NOTES.

THE WAR PENSIONS ACT. RECEIVER AT SAMOA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Nov. 29. The suggestion of Mr. R. Fletcher, M.P., that a special session of Parliament should be called for the purpose of amending the War Pensions Act has produced a flood of condemnation of the measure as it is being administered at the present time. If Parliament were to meet within the next month or two the Act certainly would be amended in the direction of securing more liberal treatment for the dependents of the men who have fallen at tlie front. The trend of the Pension Board's administration is illustrated by the reply to an inquiry made by your correspondent re- I garding the reason for the gradual reduction in the average amount of the pensions already granted. The average stands now at about £il'S a year, while a full pension for an adult dependent is £■6s a year, and for a disabled soldier (private) £Ol a year. The explanation offered was that the Board had been dealing with many applications received from parents of men who hud fallen and that the amount usually allowed In these cases was 10s weekly. A mother who applies for a pension on account of tlie death of her son has to prove not only that she is without means but also that the boy contributed to her support during the twelve months prior to his enlistment. Tlie fact that lie had an allocation in her favor from his military pay is not regarded as proof that she was a dependent. And then tlie amount usually granted is 10s a week I The Ministers, in consequence of newspaper representations, are now making some inquiries with regard to tlie gentleman who has Been selected to go to Samoa as German interpreter to the receiver for the big German company known as the "D.T. and P.G." The receiver was appointed by tlie New Zealand Government on behalf of the Imperial authorities and this country must share responsibility for his actions. The new interpreter appears to be well qualified for the work he is to undertake (his testimonials include one from Professor von Zedlitz), if knowledge of German is to be regarded as the sole qualification. But if apparently well authenticated reports are trustworthy the appointment is likely to be reviewed for good and sufficient reasons.