WAIMATE POSITIONS FOR SOLDIERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22042, 15 August 1941, Page 3

WAIMATE POSITIONS FOR SOLDIERS

Scheme Of Training Proposed Pay Would Continue Mr J. M. King advanced a proposal at a special meeting of the Waimate branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association to the effect that soldiers returning from the war should be given the opportunity of obtaining two year's training in any calling they favoured so that their absorption into civil life would be facilitated. Life in the Army, he said, often bred a dislike to going back to the old job.

In addition to finding his post’ion open for him on his return, said Mr King, every man who fights should have the privilege of being taught a trade he might like to take up, so that he would be happier and of more value to the community. A scheme of two years training would enable men to find their feet. “This means, in effect, that the war expenditure of the community would go on until the men are rehabilitated,” he said. “If we can find money for war, we can find it for the human soul.” During their period of training, the men would be paid. He added in answer to a question that his proposal concerned fit men; unfit men would be dealt with under a pension scheme. The president (Mr A. J. Kirby) said the Dominion conference had made a proposal to the effect that loans of £5O should be advanced to returning soldiers to enable them to start in small businesses. A motion on the lines of the proposal made by Mr King was adopted unanimously. RAIN WELCOMED CAME AT RIGHT MOMENT "It could not have been better if we had ordered it ourselves,” a Waimate farmer told a representative of the “Timaru Herald” yesterday when referring to the rain which, by last night, was in the vicinity of one inch with a heavy drizzle still falling. The same farmer said the ground would now be soaked to enable spring growth to come away, and the rain had fallen before lambing commenced. There had not been enough rain to cause flooding, but evidently the catchment area of the Waihao had received a heavy fall, as that river was rising rapidly. Yesterday afternoon it started to flow under the two bridges on the main south road.

Trouble was being caused at the Waihao mouth because the box was blocked. A bulldozer was engaged clearing away the bank of shingle yesterday afternoon, and it was hoped to have the cut open last night. It was reported from Morven that the rain was not heavy in that district, and much more would be welcome. RUGBY Players for the Makikihi senior A and B teams in the seven a-side Rugby tournament to be played at Waim te to-morrow, will be selected from the following: R. Barlow, J. Shea, J. Slaitery, F. Coles, R. Coles, R. L. Coles, B. Scannell, F. Sole, T. Clearwater, L. Sole, D. Crowe, L. Scott, S. Sole, E. Rathgen, W. Hobbs, F. Carter. The junior Makikihi team will consist of N. Shea. A. Craig. J. O’Connell, M. O’Connell, L. Tiffen, J. Kain, E. Martin. PERSONAL Presentations were made to Messrs A. B. Kernick and M. McDonald during a card evening in the Silver Band Hall. Mr A. J. Kirby in handing over fountain pens, said that both had worked hard in conducting weekly c d matches throughout the season in an endeavour to raise funds for the band.