AFTER THE WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24619, 29 May 1941, Page 11

AFTER THE WAR

j REPATRIATION OF MEN ORGANISATION AT WORK ASSURANCES BY MR NASH (P.A.) WELLINGTON. May 28. Addressing the annual conference of the New Zealand R.S.A. on repatriation to-day, the Acting Prime Minister, Mr W. Nash, said he was sure that not 5 per cent, of the people of New Zealand realised what was at stake in the present war. The greatest gleam that had come through the darkness of the last 12 months, Mr Nash said, was the amazing courage of the people of Britain, not the soldiers, who were as good as any in any part of the world, but the people. The British, people had stood up to the most, frightful ordeal ever experienced by civilians, and had come through it, saying, "No, we will not give in! We will go on! " That spirit was a gleam that would shine not only through the dark days, but also through the difficult days that must come after. Avoiding: Past Mistakes Mr Nash said he had met the executive of the R.S.A. time and time again, and with the co-operation of the returned soldiers, the Government would be able to avoid the mistakes that occurred with the repatriation schemes after the last war. A committee of Ministers had prepared a programme that had been studied by the departmental heads concerned, and they had reported to the Government. The result was that two competent officers were now working full time on repatriation, and the organisation would be extended this week. The Government had decided to set' up a repatriation council on which the R.S.A. would be represented. It was imperative that all the available men and materials should be used to win the war, Mr Nash said. When the war was over half the production facilities of the world would have been destroyed. New Zealanders would have to go without hundreds of things if they were going to help Britain to the extent necessary, \ and to which they had agreed. Super care and super thought would liave to be taken and given if the returning men, particularly those disabled, were to get the most out of life in the post-war years • The Decisive Factor

Mr Nash said the conflict could oe resolved in one of two places—the invasion of Germany and the destruction of German power, or the invasion of Britain and the destruction of British power. Because of their belief that it was good to fight for what was right the British people could control their nerves and bodies under all trials. They would never give way.'The Government, he added, .would always be glad to co-operate with the Returned Soldiers' Association to help the men who had served. PENSION LEGISLATION STATEMENT BY MINISTER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 28. Addressing the R.S.A. Conference to day, the Minister of Defence, Mr F. Jones, referring to the activities of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, said: " It must have been a great sense of gratification to every one of. you to know that the Australians and New Zealanders are linked up again and you must have been proud to know that the young New Zealander.V are.'living up to the reputation established by you in the last war." (Applause.) The Minister reviewed what hac been done with war pension legislation during the last year and said that pension legislation would be kept under review so that any, influences miti•jatinst against the interests of the men would be removed and all suggestions for improvements considered.