FOR THE SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16396, 16 December 1918, Page 6

FOR THE SOLDIERS.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING. THE WORK IN NEW ZEALAND. The work of providing education, vocational training, and curative treatment for returned soldiers prior to their discharge remains with the Defence Department, and is not covered by the Repatriation Department, which deals with the soldier only after his discharge. Replying to questions put by a Wellington 'Tost" reporter on Saturday, the Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) Baid that the Defence Department had already done much in preparing for this work, - and was rapidly making other preparations. The Assistant-Director of Base Records (Mr W. H. Montgomery) has been seconded for special duty to organist) these activities, and iio is now engaged upon this work. Ho has authority to equip workshops and find staffs. The work to be done will carry on and* supplement considerably Cne scheme inaugurated by General Richardson in England. Some appointments havo alroady been nuido in Auckland. Mr George George has been given charge of the technical training of soldiers in hospital in Auck. land; the Registrar or the University will assist in co-ordinating thai; section of the work which touches the University, Miss Ayling has been appointed to do curative work in Auckland, and a returned soldier has been' selected for another branch.

Mr .Montgomery will visit Rotorua and the Waikato, and later other centres where curative work or training can be undertaken. The curative work commenccd by the medical branch of the Defence Department will form a part of the activities now in course of preparation. Sir James Allen oxpressed the opinion that this work was of the utmost importance, and he stated definitely that no time was being lost in pushing it ahead.