Annual report on the Falkland Islands and Dependencies / Colonial Office.

  • Colonial Office
Date:
[1971]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report on the Falkland Islands and Dependencies / Colonial Office. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    30/88 page 24
    dents in the colony. The following weekly benefits are paid to contributors on reaching the age of 65 years: married man £4.65; unmarried man, widow or spinster £2.32|. Employees between the ages of 18 and 60 contribute 26p weekly to the fund, employers contribute 34p and self-employed contribute 60p. A non-contributory old age pension scheme was introduced in 1961 and provides pensions for old people who were excluded by reason of age from contributing to the Pensions Equalisation Fund and, consequently, from deriving any benefits from the pensions scheme introduced in 1952. Pensions are paid at the following weekly rates: married man £3.20; unmarried person £1.60, man or woman separated or living apart from his or her husband or wife £1.60. Children’s allowances are granted to all parents or guardians at the rate of 50p per month for each of the two elder children of a family and £1 per month in respect of each other child. Poor relief is administered by the Stanley Town Council. The amount spent on poor relief in 1970 was £1,095 and in 1971 £1,716. Accommodation for old and chronic invalids is provided in the hospital. There are no orphanages. The Stanley Benefit Club, open to all residents, is the oldest club in the territory. It was formed on 23rd July 1859, to provide a fund for the support of its members in cases of sickness or accident; it also contributes towards funeral expenses. The total membership is 92. Membership has decreased mainly due to improved social conditions in the territory. For an annual contribution of £1.50, sick persons can draw as much as £136 and thereafter at the rate of £2 a month. The club will meet funeral expenses up to £30. The Falkland Islands Branch of the British Red Cross Society met regularly. Hospital visiting was carried out and Christmas presents provided for hospital patients. The Earl Haig Fund Appeal was again organised by the Branch and the proceeds sent to the Fund’s headquarters in London. The 1st Stanley Company of the Girls’ Brigade provided a programme of art, cookery, basketwork and home service classes. Parties were organised at midwinter and Christmas. The cadet section for the 6-9 years olds flourished. The 1st Falkland Islands Company of the Boys’ Brigade continued to function successfully. Activities included physical training, drill, indoor rifle shooting and an annual summer cap. The Life Boys, a junior branch of the Boys’ Brigade, provided entertainment for boys between the ages of 8 and 11 years. Each May the Girls’ and Boys’ Brigades combined to organise a May Ball and a Prince Charming Dance. These events were well attended.
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