GRIM REALITIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 152, 29 June 1944, Page 2

GRIM REALITIES

AFTER WAR SERVICE

£2,250,000 FOR AID NEEDED

(Special) WELLINGTON, this day. The complicated position of servicemen after the war was seriously discussed by the R.S.A. Dominion Council in open session this morning, when the disposal and use of the present patriotic funds was before delegates. Mr. G. A. Hayden, secretary of the National Patriotic Funds Board, outlined in detail the problems, particularly of young men of the Air Force and prisoners of war when they xeturned to civilian life. Mr. Hayden stressed the excellent services given by the boys—most of them were only boys—in the air. Some _nact reached a high rank at the age of 23. Many were accustomed to living on a champagne standard and, as in the last war, they would find great difficulty in returning to the beer level. The problem of their settling down would involve a return to grim realities, whereas the treatment of prisoners of war, after long years of incarceration, might involve the disbursement of large sums. The R.S.A. considered the funds shoula be carefully conserved because their need would not be apparent in the years immediately after their return, when gratuities and bank savings would be available. It was felt that at least £2,500,000 should be set aside for after care, and of that amount £250,000 approximately should be available from the realisation of the present assets of the patriotic funds. Major Westmacot: We are not too happy about patriotic matters in my part of the world. (Laughter.) Mr. Hayden stated that he frequently travelled in different parts of the country, and would be pleased to confer with any R.S.A. executives on matters concerning patriotic funds wherever desired. - The council unanimously adopted a resolution that a Dominion total of at least £2,250,000 should be provided for the after care of servicemen.