MANY FALLING OUT OF CIVILIAN RANKS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6947, 28 June 1929, Page 6

MANY FALLING OUT OF CIVILIAN RANKS

Years After the War DEFENCE MINISTER WILL RECOMMEND COMMISSION WORKSHOP COLONIES. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. A deputation from the New Zealand R.S.A. w r aited on the Minister of Defence (Hon. T. M. Wilford) to-day. Mr. J. M. White pointed out that the Repatriation department had closed down before ail the men had been completely absorbed and he drew attention to the fact that there were over 1000 men economically unemployable. Perhaps about 1000 men co-uld do some work, but 200 others were not able to do any. The government was paying £BO,OOO to £90,000 in economic pensions but probably 50 to 75 per cent of the pensioners were capable of doing some kind of suitable work. He suggested workshop colonies or something of the sort and that a commission, including a magistrate, representatives of the returned soldiers and the War Funds council, should inquire into ways and means of carrying out the scheme. Mr. W. E. Leadley said the “happy day appear” fuads had lasted only a short period and the men were thrown on the labour market again. The returned men were worthy of something better than having to spend their declining years in old men’s homes. There Should also be additional representatives of the association on the Canteen Funds board. At present they had one in seven.

The Minister said he would tako no part in establishing veterans’ homes. Ho thought tho request for another representative on tho Canteen Funds board was reasonable and he would appoint another if he had the power. Experience was not the first consideration of the government but responsibility to returned men. The question was not whether the government could save a portion- of the pensions but that the psychology of a man doing nothing had altered. It was the duty of the government to help to find work. Provided they got tho right man, a commission could do a lot of good. Another problem they would have to face was that returned men had signed off fit and had become ill years afterwards.

On Colonel Avery promising £SOO on behalf of tho association towards the cost of a commission, the Minister said he would recommend it at the next Cabinet meeting.