RETURNED MEN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 251, 23 October 1944, Page 2

RETURNED MEN

REHABILITATION HELP ,

SCHEME FOR RAILWAYMEN

Details of the Railway Department's scheme for rehabilitating former employees returned from war service have been outlined by the assistant general manager of railways, Mr. C. R. Riesop. During their absence overseas the men are advanced a grade higher, conditional upon the passing of a Departmental examination within two years of resumption of duty. For each year's absence from New Zealand a fortnight's leave is granted, the conditions of the grant being optional to the ex-serviceman. It is hoped to assist those returned men whose progress has been barred by the Departmental examination, and a system of -training for junior members to fit them for the duties of the higher grading to which they will return is included in the scheme. The establishment of a full-time training school is also envisaged. With the adoption of the "B" scheme of the Rehabilitation Department a trade training system has been introduced, mainly for division 11. men who have no particular trade. Men who qualified are accepted for a three-year course in the workshops and subsequently appointment as tradesmen. Of the 175 applications received to date, 125 training positions have been allotted, and it is hoped to make more available.

Disabled men. are employed according to their physical powers, and so far 85 men have been given new positions. The classified pay of men is retained, although they may be employed on work well below their normal capacities. The successful rehabilitation of many men depends on the assistance given them by their fellow employees.