Pension Concessions Sought

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7287, 14 October 1933, Page 5

Pension Concessions Sought

SOUTH AFRICAN WAR VETERANS’ REQUEST WELLINGTON, Oct. 13. A deputation comprising members of the executive of the South African War Veterans’ Association waited upon the Minister of Defence (Hon. J. G. Cobbe) this afternoon urging a reduction in the ago of persons receiving the veterans’ old-age pension from 05 to 50 years and an increase in the pension of from £l3 to £2O. The deputation also asked that New Zealanders ■who had served in other units should he eligible for the pension. Tho deputation also mado a. request to the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. J. A. Young) that the full benefit of an art union bo used in relieving distress among South African war veterans. Mr. Cobbe, replying, pointed out that such a reduction in the age of those entitled to pension would mean an additional cost of £SCOO this year and the amount would bo increased for a. few years to follow. However, he had full sympathy with the representations and would consider the question with tho Commissioner of Pensions. Mr. Young pointed out that, out of the last four art unions, a sum totalling £34,000 had been allocated for relief, and said lie could not answer for the association receiving tbo full benefit of one, although ho would go into the question. This form of raising money, ho observed, was not as profitable as it had beeu. As time wore on, are unions were becoming considerably less remunerative.