H.-^lB.

From the figures shown in the preceding tables, a large increase, with a consequential increased cost of expenditure, is revealed in the number of civil pensions in force, notably old-age and miners' pensions and family allowances, and the following figures indicate more clearly what an abnormal increase has taken place during the past two years : —

The underlying cause of this increase is the financial and industrial depression which the Dominion has been experiencing during this period, and a return to normal increases of pensions can only be looked for with the return to prosperous conditions generally. Economic necessity has undoubtedly brought forward many applicants who in-normal times would not have been required to seek aid by way of pension or family allowance. The following figures relate to the war and other pensions paid by the Department during the year on behalf of other Governments :—

Family Allowances. The claims lodged during the year totalled 3,443, which, with the 279 outstanding from the previous year, made a total of 3,722 dealt with. Of these, 3,040 were accepted and 350 rejected. Of the rejected claims 146 represent cases where the income of the family was in excess of the limit allowed. 389 new claims from Maoris were finally dealt with during the year, 260 being granted and 129 rejected. The total children of the 7,332 allowances in force as at 31st March, 1932, and those in excess of two in a family numbered 34,546 and 19,882, the average per family being 4-71 and 2-71 respectively. The total amount paid during the year wa,s £90,100, while the total annual value of all allowances in force at the close of the year was £101,608.

Weekly Rates at which Allowances granted.

2

Old-age Widows' Miners' Family Pensions. Pensions. Pensions. Allowances. Average annual increase in number of pensions 612 89 34 * over ten years ended 31st March, 1929 Increase in number of pensions for year ended— 31st March, 1930 .. ".. .. 799 41 19 105 31st March, 1931 .. .. .. 2,086 193 97 749 31st March, 1932 .. .. .. 3,322 143 115 2,715 * Came into force 1st April, 1927.

Government. Class of Pension. SlsOfarch, i™™ 1 Average Payments, 1932 Value. Pension. 1931-32. £ £ s. d. £ Great Britain .. .. War .. .. 1,624 83,716 52 0 0 \ .. Army and civil .... 728 50,664 70 0 0 J 122 ' 161 Australia .. .. .. War .. .. 518 22,597 43 12 6 24,626 India .. .. .. Army and civil .. 71 16,007 225 0 0 20^023 South Africa .. .. War .. .. 2 115 57 8 6 92 • • Civil .. .. 28 3,127 112 0 0 2,706 Crown Colonies .. .. „ .. 26 7,661 295 0 0 8,932 Canada .. .. .. War .. ... 2 360 179 19 7 630 Totals.. .. .. 2,999 184,247 .. 179,170

Weekly Rate. Is. 2s. 3s. 4s. 5s. 6s. 7s. 8s. 10s. 12s. i 14s. 16s. 18s. I - - Number granted 6 1,127 10 946 9 508 .. 264 105 52 7 4 2 i [ I