BACK FROM THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 260, 31 July 1944, Page 4

BACK FROM THE WAR

Demobilized Personnel REHABILITATION HELP it total of 47,126 men and women had been demobilized from the three branches of the New Zealand armed forces up to the end of June. A total of 25,111 men had returned from overseas and 21,180 had had home service, while 253 women were demobilized after overseas service and 582 from service in New Zealand. Included were 1454 Maoris, SB7 of whom had returned from overseas. ' These figures are given in the monthly report of the Rehabilitation Department, which shows that during June a further 954 men returned from service overseas. An additional 663 were demobilized from home service in June. Of the total of 47,126 demobilized personnel, 11,975 have found positions with their pre-war employers without assistance from the department, and a further 973 0 have placed themselves with other private employers. A total of 5964 have been placed with private employers without subsidy, while 629 have been placed by the department with tlieir pre-war employers. The department lias placed 554 men without subsidy iu State employ and 521 have been self-placed without subsidy in the employment of the State. Full-time training is being taken by 1019 ex-servicemen. A total of 2223 have returned to their own businesses or farms, and 1455 have acquired their own businesses or farms. A further 150 are depending on private means; 110 have been enrolled for placement and 549 have refused help, were unable to be traced or have lost contact temporarily with the department. Demobilized servicemen who have since died total J S 3. 87 of whom were from overseas and 96 home-servicemen. 1 oyr home servicewomen also have died. Women who nave established homes total IS7 and a total of 107 men and women have left New Zealand. There are 431 whose intentions are undecided, and 11.055 who have not yet been discharged, are in hospital or recuperating or have returned to service. Since the inception of tlie rehabilita-

tion scheme, £2,597,705 has been distributed in financial assistance, made up of 5063 loans. The growing use which is being made of the various forms of assistance is illustrated by tlie fact that in June 513 loans, totalling £336,694. wore authorized. These totals cover loans for the purchase of farms, tile erection and purchase of houses, the purchase of businesses. furniture, tools of trade and miscellaneous purposes.