SOCIAL SECURITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 April 1939, Page 6

SOCIAL SECURITY

POST OFFICE STAFF BUSY.

REGISTRATION OF WOMEN AND YOUTHS. The Masterton Post Office staff has been working at high pressure this week dealing with Social Security registrations. Some idea of the magnitude of this task may be gained from the fact that as many as 400 registrations of women and 500 of youths have been effected this week. Yesterday afternoon and this morning business was particularly brisk, as many as fifty or sixty persons lining up in queues and waiting their turn. The Postmaster, Mr M. M. Simpson, stated this morning . that everything possible had been done to cope with the rush, as far as the staff and accommodation would permit. When the main office became too congested with applicants relief was obtained by, opening another window in the Money Order branch while, when possible, other officers handled some of the applications.

The Act provides that all youths and females over the age of 16 years have to register by the end of April. Although registration is necessary before the end of this month, the registration fee of 5s does not have to be paid before the end of May. During May" all persons over the age of 16 years must furnish a declaration of income other than salary or wages derived during the year ending on the preceding March 31. If no such income has been derived a nil declaration must be furnished. This applies notwithstanding that a person may be exempt from the registration fee. Pensioners who are not in receipt of any other income may claim exemption from the payment of the 5s registration fee and forms of application for coemption will be available towards the end of May. Pensioners who are in receipt of other income, however, are required to pay the registration fee.