WHITE'S Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1944. WELCOME HOME !

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 November 1944, Page 4

WHITE'S

Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1944. WELCOME HOME !

yiiE return to the Dominion of. a large number of long-service soldiers from the Middle. East will be doubly welcome, partly on personal grounds and partly because it is evidence that the end of the European war is approaching and the need for New Zealanders to serve in that area is less pressing. The returned men fully deserve their furlough, or demobilisation, and it is to be hoped it will not be long before their comrades of several years’ service, still in Italy and district, may be permitted home-coming. The soldiers will be glad to return, but this joy will be exceeded by that of their own people, especially the womenfolk, who have had to display courageous patience over so long a period.

Tn due course the welcome-home period will give place to the men’s re-establish-ment in industry. Nfost will be able to fend for themselves, assisted, if required, by the rehabilitation provisions. Others will be less equipped, and will need greater aid. There is no Party politics about the official schemes, aird Government and Opposition are working together to give the,, returned men the

fairest of deals. Wit If so many thousands of men to guide, with a wide range of desires. capacities and qualifications to consider, the rehabilitation authorities have no easy task, and it is not to be expected that no mistakes will arise, or that all the returned men will be satisfied with their treatment. Some of the grievances may have little foundation, but it must be realised from the beginning that the nation is paying a debt, and must honour the promises so freely made when the men were embarking for active service. Not everything must be left to the Government or Department. The public must cooperate to the fullest extent, as on this cooperation depends the success of most rehabilitation schemes.

As was to be expected, instances arise of apparent neglect, as well as of generous provision. For instance, reports were published yesterday of a gathering at Christchurch, whepe the Minister (Mr. Skinner) laid the foundation stone of a training centre for disabled servicemen. This centre is designed on modern lines and is to be fitted with every convenience. All concerned are entitled to commendation. From Auckland, however, came a different story. There it was alleged that returned disabled servicemen had taken direct action as protest against “the shocking working conditions they have endured for some years.” According to the president of the Auckland R.S.A., the factory in "which the men have to work is a slum, and actually dangerous. It is often stressed that disabled men must be'given happy surroundings, if they are to regain the greatest efficiency. It will be interesting to have the official reply to the Auckland allegations. If the position is as stated, some one has blundered. Incidents like these mar the rehabilitation schemes and encourage discontent. The best welcome home to the soldiers who have carried out their part of the contract, is to determine that the nation performs its part, and that there will never be occasion for the returned men to contrast the enthusiastic greetings when they returned, with the apathy and neglect in the years that followed.