SOON TO RETURN
Last N.Z. Prisoners Of War Good Care In Britain By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright LONDON. July 16. It is now hoped that all former New Zealand prisoners of war will be repatriated to the Dominion during August. Already 175 officers and 2952 other ranks have sailed for New Zealand, leaving 196 officers and 3140 other ranks in England. Only 32 men on the Continent are still unaccounted for. It was hoped that another 940 men would sail tor New Zealand last week, but the ship had to be dry-docked and it will not leave now until towards the end of July. The majority of the men still in England are on leave. It has been noticed that most of them, on leaving camp, take out a railway voucher for Inverness, which is one of the farthest points to which they can travel, and many do. in fact, visit Scotland. It has also been observed that they return from leave, not only with more selfconfidence, but they also are content to settle down to await a ship. Many on arriving from the continent had lost a certain amount of initiative and ability to make decisions for themselves. For those now in camp a parade is held each morning, and on three days a week there are route marches to'keep them fit, the distance being decided by the officer in charge. Educational Courses Much interest is being taken in the educational rehabilitation service, and 548 men are studying in camp or in London in their spare hours. They are taking courses in subjects such as agriculture, accountancy, trade, and engineering. Many men have also applied to study on detachment from the repatriation centre. They are divided into two categories, those on detachment for a period of less than two months, involving the Rehabilitation Department in no expense, and those on detachment for a period greater than two months, involving the payment of fees. Up to June 30, a total of 278 applications had been received, of which 33 were to study educational subjects, mostly connected with teachers. 163 for* trade, technical, and other professions, and 82 for facilities to study agriculture. The men on the detachment draw the Army pay of their rank, plus a 3 - daily sustenance allowance. They are not permitted to receive any other pay. Every Assistance Great assistance has been given by the British Council and various British Ministries in placing the men in a position where they can study the desired subjects. The E.R.S. (Education Rehabilitation Service) staff at Westgate worked long hours without leave to make every endeavour to ensure that any man applying to study should get what he wanted and not be disappointed. Their difficulties included the fact that 52 men, after being placed, changed their minds and decided that they did not want to continue with the work, having found other interests. Much assistance has also been given bv the Prisoner of War Department of New Zealand House, which had the files of 100 men who had been studying in camps and which provided useful information in helping to place them in England. All reports indicate that there is a tremendous all-round improvement since the New Zealanders returned from Europe. “They are new men when they return from leave,” was one comment made at Westgate.
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Bibliographic details
Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23256, 18 July 1945, Page 5
Word Count
554SOON TO RETURN Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23256, 18 July 1945, Page 5
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