PERMANENT WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 257, 30 October 1929, Page 10

PERMANENT WORK.

EX-SOLDIERS' MAIN DESIRE,

UXDEE-EATE PERMITS SUGGESTED,

(By Telegraph.—Frcss Association.)

DUNEDIN, this day

The Ex-soldiers' Employment Coinmission to-day heard the views of Mi. Colquhoun, secretary of the Oautaru Returned Soldiers' Association. He said the paramount desire of most returned men was to obtain permanent woik in preference to an economic or a subsidiary pension. When in employment an exsoldier was more contented, and his physical, moral and mental condition was beneficially affected. The present system, said the witness, put a premium on indolence, and, in some cases, dishonesty. His association suggested a revival of the under-ratc workers' permits to disabled soldiers, with safeguards. He was willing to see such permits granted all returntd soldiers, whether or not their trouble was traceable to war service.

Mr. Harrison, a member of the commission, expressed the opinion that as time went on it would become increasingly difficult to prove that a disability was actually due to war service. Mr. C. B. Smith, president of the Red Cross Society, said that no difficulty was encountered in dealing with cases of Otago men, hut cases of men who had enlisted in other districts had to be referred to the societies in those districts. He was of opinion that the Dominion council of the Red Cross Society would consider helping Australian, Canadian and ex-Imperial soldiers while they were in hospital. It would be possible to arrange for a. refund from the Red Cross societies in the respective countries. He did not think the time was opportune to provide veterans' homes. He favoured the establishment of a fanning colony.