Work For Ex-Servicemen

Dominion, Volume 39, Issue 28, 27 October 1945, Page 6

Work For Ex-Servicemen

Sir. —In the news to the Pacific Forces on the night of October 20, the following interesting point, as I understood it, was quoted as being made by the Minister in charge of Manpower:—“One reason for the delay in bringing the boys home from overseas is the shortage of suitable work bere in New Zealand for them when they are discharged.” As one who served overseas, I would like to challenge the Government on this 'Statement. Was it not a fact that before the war there was work for one and all? At the present time the Government is one of the worst offenders in creating shortage of work for returned servicemen, as during the war years they were forced by circumstances to employ a lot of female labour in work previously done by the men who took up arms to tight for the freedom of this country. With all due respect to the work these girls have done I think it time they terminated their employment and made way for the men who sacrificed the best part of their lives. Does the Government think that these men are not capable of doing this work, or are they cutting down cost by the employment of cheap labour? The sooner our boys are all returned and settled in permanent work the sooner this country will return to normal. Now is the time to show our appreciation for the work done by our boys overseas. Bring them home. Don’t wait till the conscientious objectors have been released and get all the good jobs. “Deeds, not words.” — I am. etc., 21076. Wanganui, October 23.