Rabaul Civilians
p. 19 · Read in the full issue
Pensions for Dependants of Lost Rabaul Civilians
Canberra, July 4.
rE Government was considering ex tending new repatriation benefits to dependents of New Guinea civilians who lost their lives when the Jap prison ship “Montevideo Maru” was sunk in 1942, it was stated to-day by Mr. Ward, Australian Minister for External Terri tories, in reply to Mr. Anthony.
Mr. Ward said the dependents were at present being paid pensions equivalent to those paid to dependents of Army priv ates killed in action.
Later the Government was asked whether those benefits would be made re trospective to the date when the Govern ment first decided to pay the benefits.
The Miniser for Repatriation: That is being investigated. I think these people will be paid from the date the Govern ment decided to give the pensions.