REINSTATEMENT IN INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24748, 13 December 1945, Page 4

REINSTATEMENT IN INDUSTRY

TREATMENT OF RETURNED SERVICEMEN/ x From Oui Own Reporter OAMARU, December 12. Reference to what was described as shameful treatment meted out to some returned servicemen in the matter of reinstatement in industry was made by the president (Mr R. E. Dimick) at the monthly meeting of the executive of the Oamaru Returned Services' Association. Mr Dimick's statement was prompted by the experiences'Vol several men who found that their employers did not want them on their return from overseas.

After stating that the majority otemployers had welcomed back their servicemen employees, Mr Dimick said . it was to be regretted that there was • , a tendency in some cases to dishonour the moral obligation of com-' " plete reinstatement of men who had faced the enemy while others "fed and slept in security in the best country in. the world." The/minority of , employers to which he had referred, though having taken part in the flag wagging when the men left, flow failed to show the decency expected of them. The result was that returned men, m some instances, had to fight like tigers for a place in the post-war world.

'ls this a question for the Returned Services' Association or for citizens? Do we remember all those publicspeakers who said 'nothing will be too good for you,' or should we just sit complacently and say 'too bad, old chap,' " -said Mr Dimick. "Personally I think there should be some citizens' organisation to express the disapproval of the public when a returned serviceman is thrown aside with callous indifference. There may be legal technicalities'that coyer certain cases, but the moral obligation requires no butxtressing," concluded Mr Dimick. Mr I. T. Catto said he had heard of one case. The man was an auctioneer, but he had not the facts. a Mr w. Burdett said that all returned servicemen should do their best to ventilate any such cases. «. ?•• J " Ericson said it was a pity they did not have an official complaint. He had met one man who had served his country and- on his return had not been reinstated. That man had said that if he could do anything to help other servicemen in this matter he would be glad to do so. How- ? v S r \ he did not commit himself, nor had Mr Ericson permission to use his name or ventilate his particular case.