Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, JULY 30, 1943. MINISTER OF REHABILITATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 248, 30 July 1943, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, JULY 30, 1943. MINISTER OF REHABILITATION.

Major Skinner, who has taken up his duties as Minister of Rehabilitation, enters on office to the accompaniment of sympathy and goodwill. As one who has served with distinction in the Middle Last he will be welcomed by the people generally, regardless of their political faith. He also deserves credit tor his work as lecturer in Britain on New Zealand’s war effort and the achievements of the Second Division. As Minister he has to undertake a task more complex, exacting and responsible than either of those already performed. One great advantage wiil be that he should understand the viewpoint of the servicemen as well as anyone and be able

to shape his administration so as to ht their needs and desires. Moreover, on his short tour before returning to the Dominion, he has taken the opportunity to inquire into and study rehabilitation policies and methods in other countries, particularly in Britain and Australia. Major Bkinner will find his administrative abilities put to a searching test, for despite a great deal of publicity about the Government’s policy the functioning of rehabilitation remains weak and ineffective. His first aim should be to create a department at which the serviceman couid have all his questions answered and through which he could do all his business. Too often at present he is sent from department to department, trailing from piilar to post, and sometimes obtaining nothing at the end but a sense of frustration and deep discouragement. Major Skinner’s endeavour should be to staff his department with men whose outlook will be helpful rather than obstructive, who will assist the serviceman to cut through the mesh of red tape and obtain free access to the service he requires. The business of rehabilitation is a peculiarly individual one. No two cases are alike. A group of departmental officials, however able and sympathetic, cannot supply all that is needed. The returned men will wish to enter many different walks of life and their entry should be guided by those who have travelled the way and know it. Those with qualifications will contribute their knowledge and experience gladly and Major Skinner should not merely co-opt their services but also see that they are used. Committees shbuld be appointed to represent different vocations as well as localities. Such special committees industrial, agricultural, commercial or professional—could also advise on the fairest way of overcoming the barriers that at present prevent returned men entering the callings they choose and for which they may be qualified.