Want Information On Rehabilitation Plans

Northern Advocate, 21 August 1944, Page 5

Want Information On Rehabilitation Plans

(Special) KAITAIA, This Day. Outspoken criticism of the rehabilitation policy for returned servicemen in Northland, and especially in Far Northern areas, was expressed at Friday’s meeting of the Mangonui County Council.

Members were strongly of opinion that, from the lack of available information, few definite plans had been made in the district and that the authorities concerned were largely in the dark themselves.

“As far as can be seen nothing has yet been done in the Far North,” said Cr. W. J. Steed.

The only recent movement seemed to have been the action of the Mangonui Returned Services’ Association in advertising for information concerning farm properties and businessses available for sale in connection with rehabilitation, said the clerk (Mrs E A. Nilsson). “Even in Whangarei the authorities don’t seem to know what they are doing,” declared the chairman (Mr C. J. E. Barriball). Parliament In Dark While the subject was now being debated in Parliament, the House itself gave the impression of having little information, said Cr. W. P. Hales, who added that the time was now ripe for dec. entralisation. Definite plans were necessary immediately, he said. If planning was to be left until all servicemen now overseas returned to the Dominion complete chaos would result.

Cr. Steed: The authorities are waddling along in the dark.

Cr. Hales said the present procedure appeared to be for a returned man desiring to commence farming or other business to locate a suitable property himself, and then take action through the- local rehabilitation committee to secure the necessary funds.

“Soldiers have been told that all that would be necessary would be for them to submit their applications for assistance, and that everything would be ready for their selection,” Cr. Hales continued. “This is far from being the case, and in addition, local committees’ recommendations appear to carry little weight, even though these are best qualified to judge cases in their own districts.”

The council is approaching the authorities to seek further information.