Rehabilitation Of Soldiers

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1940, Page 3

Rehabilitation Of Soldiers

[Per Press Association. Copyright .] WELLINGTON, This Day. A number of important questions relating to the future of patriotic activities in New Zealand and the aftercare and rehabilitation of members of the Expeditionary Force are to‘be discussed at a conference in Wellington during this week between the National Patriotic Fund Board and representatives from 11 provincial patriotic councils. The standing committee of the National Patriotic Council has prepared a memorian on various matters as a basis of discussion. The first proposal is that the duties of the National Patriotic Fund Board and the provincial councils should be more clearly defined in the light of experience in the past eight months, and in this connection suggestions will be submitted as to the functions of these respective bodies. After-Care The question of the after-care and rehabilitation of returned men is one upon which a number of suggestions will be put forward. The principle on which it is suggested this work should be carried out provides for provincial councils setting up after-care committees, Ao be provided with an imprest account. There will also be a recommendation that provincial councils adopt a uniform method of dealing with the after-care of soldiers. Another proposal is to make no more national appeals for funds after the completion of the sick, wounded and relief of distress appeal, except in the event of some unforeseen circumstances or major calamity, when the appeal will be made through the newspapers only. National Appeal This suggestion is contingent upon the provincial councils paying to the national fund, from a date to be decided upon a proportion of their collections. If this is not acceptable an alternative suggestion is that the national fund be given certain specified times in each province to make an appeal. The board has in view the possibility of being called upon to make grants for the national fund in any case, say, of destruction by air raids in Great Britain. In addition, it is felt that the national fund should be in the position of being able to assist various wartime efforts overseas should the necessity arise.