REPATRIATION WORK

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11435, 3 February 1923, Page 9

REPATRIATION WORK

63,100 SOLDIERS ASSISTED. TOTAL COST £2,329,992. From Mr J. R. Samson, Director of Repatriation, a "Times" reporter obtained the following information regarding the operations of the Repatriation Department : The cessation of benefits under the Repatriation Act took effect from December 31st last, and up to that date the department had rendered assistance to 63,108 discharged soldiers, at a total cost of <£2,329.992, the following table indicating the number assisted under the various categories, and the cost: ASSISTANCE RENDERED. LOANS. £

EMPLOYMENT. The department has placed 28,668 discharged soldiers m employment. The total amount paid ‘out as sustenance to unemployed soldiers is £5577. This works out at Is 4<f per demobilised soldier, and is a phenomenally low figure compared with the standard of other countries. TRAINING. Partially disabled soldiers, apprentices, etc., to the number of 7538, have been trained in new trades or occupations at a cost of £397,619. 7478 trainees have completed their courses and 91 per cent, of these graduated into employment. The majority of the 9 per cent, who discontinued 'before graduating did so on account of ill-health —the percentage ot "unsatisfactory" cases being negligible. Thoro are now' only 60 me? in training, and most of these will complete during the next few months. Th* average cost per trainee (taking credit .successes only) is £55. Altogether, New Zealand's record in connection with training, in relation to the individual cost, the proportion or successes to failures, and tho liberality of income during the training period, is a good one.

BUSINESS AND FURNITURE LOANS. The department has granted 6366 loans to discharge I soldiers to establish businesses at a cost of £1,160/436, and an additional 15,915 men have received advances amounting to £758,626 for the purpose of furniture to set up homes. The repayment of loans is remarkably good, and the department has already collected £1,190,746, over 60 per cent, of tho total loan advances. 1980 business loans and 3052 furniture loans have been entirely repaid.

Business 6.366 1,160,536 Furniture, tools, etc GRANTS. 15,915 758,626 Training sustenance, etc. 7,538 397,619 Transportation 3,438 7,634 Unemployment sustenance Placed in' employment ... 1,123 28,668 5,577 Total 63,108 2,329,992