REHABILIATION OF EX-SERVICEMEN

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 305, 20 September 1943, Page 6

REHABILIATION OF EX-SERVICEMEN

Minister Details Progress TRAINING FOR CIVILIAN LIFE (By Telegraph.—Press Association.l NELSON, September 19. Information relating to the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen was given by. the Minister of Rehabilitation. Major Skinner, speaking at Upper Moutere. Servicemen and women demobilized at July 31. 1943, totalled 24,205, representing 10.16 S from overesas service and 14,037 from home service. So far 160 had completed training m Government workshops and were now in industry. The number now receiving training in carpentering, engineering, welding, footwear and draughting was 225, of' whom 136 were men returned from overseas. Those receiving subsidized occupational training with private employers numbered 46, while 36 were being'trained in the workshops of the Disabled Servicemen’s Re-establishment League. Nine had resumed trade. apprenticeships with their wages subsidized and 89 were completing university courses on subsistence allowances up to £5/5/- a week, free of tax. Of 186 amputees 123 had already been titled with artificial limbs. The State Advances Corporation, acting as the Rehabilitation Board's agent, had approved 1423 applications involving the expenditure of £779,292 for the following purposes: Purchase of 119 farms. £338,905: purchase or erection of 337 houses, £337,295; purchase of tools of trade (55 applications). £1347; purchase of 89 businesses, £30,751; purchase of furniture (6823 applications),. £70,99-1. The Government had purchased 126,782 acres of land, which would provide 600 farms. A portion of that area was nearing the stage for settlement. Successful applicants in the selection ballot held recently were now working 14 farms on wages, with the right to accept or reject the lease of those holdings. Fifteen thousand were back in their old jobs. A survey was in hand at present with a view to ascertaining what industries could be extended and what new industries could be created with advantage. Local employing authorities . and State departments were also carrying out a survey determining what constructional work having economic value could be .undertaken additional . to the usual programme. Major Skinner said that.all ex-service-men who had served either overseas or in New Zealand were eligible for assistance under the Rehabilitation Act. “Financial assistance, however, is not as of right and generally some distinction is drawn between the man who has served in the fighting zone and the man who has served in New Zealand only, unless it is disclosed that the latter has suffered hardship or disability as a result of service. Length of service and the nature of the disability are factors taken into consideration when dealing with applications. Each application is considered on its merits and assistance is given to the fullest extent possible,” said the Minister.