TREMENDOUS PROBLEM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25302, 12 August 1943, Page 6

TREMENDOUS PROBLEM

REHABILITATION QF SOLDIERS NEED FOR CO-OPERATION Tlie tremendous problem facing the Dominion in the rehabilitation of returned soldiers was stressed at the annual meeting of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce last night by the retiring president (Mr C. E. Begg), who referred to the fact that the Government had refused the request of the Associated Chambers that it should be represented on local Rehabilitation Committees. The task of rehabilitation, he said, would undoubtedly tax the resources and brains of the country, and business men and Chambers of Commerce were eager and willing to take their full share in the solving of the problem. “ This is not a problem in which only the manufacturers can help,” Mr Begg said, “ although it is hoped that they can absorb a good proportion of the men who will want work. New industries may be started, and these can well be put under way by traders who up to the present have not been manufacturers at all. Each firm in its own line of business may see opportunities for development and expansion which it can undertake as a rehabilitation measure, with the goodwill of the Government. Chambers of Commerce and business organisations will not withhold their help, even though they are ‘ cold-shouldered ’ by the Government. Surely it can be clearly seen by the powers that be in Wellington that if the Chambers of Commerce have their representation on rehabilitation boards, councils, and committees—that is, some say in what is arranged, and some knowledge of what is being proposed, . and therefore' some, knowledge of how business can assist such proposals—the interests of Chambers of Commerce and all business men will be greatly stimulated by such representation, and benefits to all in New Zealand, and especially to returned men, will be Increased. Rehabilitation measures will undoubtedly affect the future economy of New Zealand, and we have a right to be represented. We can be of the greatest help to the Government if we are represented.” Mr Begg referred to the efforts of the Dunedin chamber with regard to an afforestation scheme for the country round Dunedin and an irrigation scheme for the Maniototo and Upper Clutha, both of which, he said, would be excellent rehabilitation measures. No one who had the welfare of Otago and Dunedin at heart, he said, could fail to urge the irrigation of all suitable lands, and it would not be fair to this part of New Zealand if the Government did not adopt both schemes as rehabilitation measures in Otago.