REHABILITATION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32510, 29 November 1944, Page 5

REHABILITATION

LETTER TO BOROUGH

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SETTLING EX-SERVICEMEN

“As it is known that several organisations have evinced an amendable desire to assist (m an advisory capacity) with the iehabilitation of ex-servicemen and are possibly in doubt as to the avenues in which they could best render assistance, I am desirous of forming a committee in your town for the purpose of acting as an advisory organisation which could co-operate with the Rehabilitation Board, through this office, in facilitating the absorption of ex-servicemen into suitable industry,” stated a letter from the District Rehabilitation Officer, Mr W. P. Corrigan, to the November meeting of the Paeroa Borough Council. The letter continued as under: — “You will realise that great difficulty, particularly in this district, is being experienced in settling, or in re-establishing (a) men with specific knowledge and skill, fit and willing to enter a particular trade or occupation; '(b) men fit for light employment only; (c) men fit, but difficult of absorption into pre-service type of employment., e.g., salesmen, shop assistants, previous owners of small businesses, etc. Useful Information “ It is thought that such a committee could, through constant consultation with members of the body they represent, gain and advise this office

of the fullest useful information in regard l to the actual and potential vacancies and; of the qualifications requiredl of an acceptable candidate.

"Another direction in which the committee could assist, is in the instance of men who desire to establish themselves in business and seek rehabilitation assistance. You will realise that expert advice from practical men would help not only the 'Rehabilitation Board, but would at least be of equal benefit to an ex-service-man applicant. Survey of “Another phase in which the committee could, no doubt, co-operate, would ibe in the introduction of a survey of this particular district, for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not there is, room for the setting-up of certain secondary industries, which could be established to the advantage of returned servicemen. 'Should such an innovation as this meet with the approval of your organisation, I would appreciate it if you would kindly let me have the nomination of one of your members who would be willing to act in an advisory capacity on such a committee should it be established.”

The Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, said the idea was to get the co-opera-tion of (businessmen. It would 1 act entirely in an advisory capacity. The Paeroa Chamber of Commerce and the Paeroa Rotary Club would also be nominating a representative. Mr C. C. Webb asked whether the committee would have anything definite to do.

The Mayor replied that he doubted if there was anything that could be done in a small town like Paeroa. Such committees were of definite value in the cities.

It was decided to nominate the deputy-Mayor, Mr H. M. Shand 1 , to the committee.