REHABILITATION AID

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29245, 1 July 1960, Page 7

REHABILITATION AID

Conference Suggests Extension A remit suggesting that men who served* with Imperial armed forces overseas and who have settled in New Zealand since the war be entitled to the same conditions of rehabilitation assistance as the returned servicemen of the New Zealand armed forces was discussed at the annual conference of the New Zealand Ex-Prisoners of War Association in Christchurch yesterday. Mr G. Walker, of Huntly, who moved the adoption of the motion, cited two cases of servicemen who had served with forces other than the 2nd N.Z.E.F. being classified as ordinary citizens of New Zealand. Both of these men were interested in acquiring farms of their own but could not receive rehabilitation assistance, he said. The president (Mr J. A. Yule) said that the Returned Services’ Association was negotiating with the Government for extended benefits to war veterans who had resided in New Zealand for a specific period. At present, pensions and allowances were available only to those who were born in New Zealand.

It was felt by the conference that the proposals were complex and would require more careful wording before they were presented to Parliament. The matter was handed over to the central executive for discussion. Mr Yule suggested that talks could be held in conjunction with the R.S.A. and the two organisations could make joint representations to ~the Government,