SERIOUS OFFENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 May 1943, Page 2

SERIOUS OFFENCE

MAKING LOANS ON PENSION WARRANTS. MONEYLENDERS WARNED BY MINISTER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. ■ Allegations that certain moneylenders and private financial agents were making loans at various of interest against the security of social security certificates surrendered by beneficiaries were referred to by the Minister of Social Security, Mr Parry. In stating that investigations into these complaints had been proceeding for some time past, the Minister said that under the law it was viewed as a serious offence for any person other than the beneficiary to demand or to take charge of a social security pay certificate. Since last year registrars and inspecting officers of the department, with the assistance of the police, had been industriously making inquiries into complaints, said the Minister. Recently concrete evidence had been obtained in cases at Gisborne, which had warranted proceedings against a moneylender on eight charges under the Social Security Act of accepting social security benefit and war pensions certificates on loans.

“It is reprehensible for persons to do moneylending business with beneficiaries,” said the Minister. “Parliament showed wisdom in making that kind of thing an offence with a penalty under the Act.”