ASSISTANCE TO RETURNED SERVICEMEN’

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25865, 8 June 1945, Page 9

ASSISTANCE TO RETURNED SERVICEMEN’

Sir, —In view of the importance of the subject, I should be grateful If you would allow me space to supply the context of my statement concerning methods of assisting returning servicemen, reported in this morning’s Daily Times from my address to the W.D.F.U.

I was endeavouring to stress the point that, of all of us who are concerned in the rehabilitation of our men as they return home, the members of a soldier’s own household have unique opportunities for helping him as he endeavours to settle down once more in civilian life. After the inevitably “organised'” life of the armed forces, most servicemen will appreciate it if we help in unobtrusive ways. The transition from peace to war is a difficult process, and the return from service to civilian life cannot be accomplished without a good deal of patience and understanding. I also expressed the opinion that it was not altogether reasonable to expect a man to return after years of active service without these experiences making themselves felt in his character and personality: in most cases a soldier learns tolerance, moderation, and breadth of view, but it is unwise to expect a man to return unaffected by the trying and maturing experiences of modern war.—l am, etc., Owen Baragwanath. Dunedin, June 7.