SOLDIERS’ RE-ESTABLISHMENT

Evening Star, Issue 21012, 28 January 1932, Page 2

SOLDIERS’ RE-ESTABLISH-MENT

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS

A meeting of the Discharged Soldiers’ Civil Re-establishment Advisory Committee was held yesterday. Mr J. J. Clark occupied the chair, and there were also present Messrs B. Ellis, <). Taylor, and A. J. Gordon (secretary). Several pensioners were interviewed with a view to finding suitable employment for them.' Members of the, committee expressed the opinion that there was evidently a considerable amount of earning ability in these men, but, owing to the present economic situation, the problem, of placing them in suitable positions was an extremely serious one. It was considered, however, that, until the Government provided suitable finance to equip factories or other work places where the men could _be employed, the only market for their labour would bo that offered through the goodwill of employers generally. The Secretary reported having sent circulars, to the majority of employers in the city area, and said ho would endeavour to have personal interviews with all to whom circulars had been sent. Tho committee members expressed confidence that, if employers were made conversant with the objects of the committee’s work and the genuine desire of the average economic pensioner to become self-supporting, many of the men would be found useful occupations, and would become assets to the State instead of liabilities.

Such schemes as, seed-raising,' rabbit farming, and small manufacturing businesses are at present under consideration by the committee, and it is hoped shortly to place before the Government definite proposals with the object of securing some financial Several cases of pensioners requiring assistance to purchase small holdings for farming purposes were dealt with by the committee, and it was decided

to refer the eases to the Lunds Department with the recommendation that the full benefits provided by the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act should bo extended. Tim Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association wrote advising that a meeting of representatives of various organisations in the city would bo held at an early date to discuss the projected conference at Flock House. A representative of the committee was invited to be present.—Members expressed appreciation of the work which was being done by the Rteurned Soldiers’ Association in endeavouring to extend help to the children of disabled soldiers. The invitation was accepted, and Mr E. J. Anderson was appointed to represent the committee. Tho Invercargill Sub-committee reported satisfactory progress, a largo number of cases having been dealt with.