REHABILITATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 21 July 1944, Page 3

REHABILITATION

(To the Editor! Sir.—Over the past few weeks there have been many letters pertaining to housing and rehabilitation. Unfortunately many have neglected to face the real problem at the chance of indulging in personal bickering. At Mr Hogan’s meeting it was obvious that all political creeds were willing to support drastic action to obtain a better system of rehabilitation, though here again a seconder of a motion was inclined to say things which could have destroyed the unity of purpose. To aid speedier rehabilitation might I suggest that the Government place before the local committees the number of men that committee is expected to rehabilitate: what industries may be expected to start in the district, i.e., decentralisation, or public works that may be undertaken. The committee to be given authority to use all available means for housing, of more than two bedrooms, even to the extent of pooling all building materials at cost price from holders. The committee also to be given authority over all government departments including War Pensions. By this I mean that when the committee makes a grant the departments will be the servant to see that this grant is made immediately available without any further considering. I realise these suggestions are drastic, but a hundred thousand men will never be rehabilitated via a local committee, via Wellington, via State Advances, via Industries and Commerce, via Land Sales Committee, via building permit, via years and eternity. I would appeal to all citizens to support the local committee which would never have achieved what it has had its members stopped to bicker over one per cent or two per cent, though there must be many different political opinions. Lastly 1 can guarantee that our local rehabilitation officers are keen active men not yet steeped in officialdom and red tape. How long they may remain so under present administration conditions is open to question. I am etc., J.G.W. Nelson, 19th July.