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NOW 297,749
OLD-AGE
PENSIONERS
CANBERRA, Monday. — During tho
year ended December 8 last, old age pen
sioners in Australia increased by more
than 20.000 to a total of 297,749.
Official reason for the increase
is said to be the return to the
pensions list of many men who,
during the war, forsook their
pensions to take up munitions
mid other Jobs.
Invalid pensions increased
during the year by Just over
5000 to a total of 70,943.
Maternity allowance clnlms
granted during the six months
from July last year to Decem
ber numbered 79,755 — a decrease
of less than 7000 compared with
those granted during the cor
responding period of 1946.
Unemployment benefit claims
in force on December 8 num
bered only 2516, compared with
14,512 on December 9, 1946.
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