MARSHALLING MAN-POWER

Grey River Argus, 8 July 1943, Page 7

MARSHALLING MAN-POWER

One of the best and successful efforts in marshalling manpower for the war has been in Connecticut. It is known as the “Man Salvage Clinic,” and has tapped a new reservoir of man-power, all through the initiative of one man—E. P. Chester.

When U.S.A, came into the 'war, Connecticut had 3,500,000 unemployed; and 1,000,000 of these were crippled in one way or another. It now became Chester’s job to find _ positions for all these people. He interviewed employers and soon convinced them of the near approach of a desperate need of labour power. The Connecticut Manufacturers’ Association pledged co-operation. Chester knew that to instal the crippled in industry he must have the full support of medical associations, Universities and colleges, which was readily given; also the U.S. Employment Service, agencies for the blind, artificial legs and arm makers, and vocational schools had to be co-opted. As a result, at the end of last year, only 30,000 'were 'unemployed and 12,000 of these were seriously disabled and unfit for work of any kind.

Twenty men are engaged to lit all workers into jobs that will be most suited to Ahem. Some require operations, and when these are completed and a person, is found a job, he repays in small instalments what the State advanced for the operations. All agree that this service should be free. In thousands of cases a new lease of life has been given to these people.

The records show that 50 per cent, were immediately placed in, jobs, and 95 per cent, sent for special training courses. A large percentage were provided with hearing aids, artificial limbs and other appliances supplied from the Federal State funds. To the surprise of the employers the returns have been very satisfactory. The attendance also is a record, being Slightly better in some cases, that of the hale and hearty. Their accident record is slightly better than the average. This can be understood. Having gone through the mill they are naturally more careful.

World War I. veterans, especially those whose records show disabilities, are encouraged. To use an American term, these are being “tracked down.” It is only now after all these years that rehabilitation clinics have come into working order. Connecticut’s experiment in marshalling cripples for the war effort is something to be proud of. Like many other schemes it has anomalies, but these can be removed.