THE NAVY HELPS.

Wairarapa Age, 1 May 1937, Page 4

THE NAVY HELPS.

PETTY OFFICER’S PROBLEM An indication of the good work being done by tKe State Placement Service is provided by a story concerning a chief artificer, who was attached to one of the units of the New Zealand Navy. He had married a New Zealand girl and taken her to England, where two children were born. Then he was detailed to a warship stationed in New Zealand, and had to leave his family behind. This unsatisfactory position caused him to consider the possibility of leaving the Navy and obtaining employment ashore so that he could make a home for his family. His qualifications as an engineer were of the highest, so after he had discussed his problem with the local Placement Officer, a search of the city engineering shops was made. One of the most important firms gave him a half-a-day’s trial in the workshops, and so capably did he acquit himself that he was offered a permanent position. The next step was to consult the naval authorities, who were unable to grant his discharge at once, as the Petty Officer’s services were required on the vessel, which was on the eve of returning to England. When they were informed that permanent work had been guaranteed, the authorities informed the Placement Officer that the man could return to New Zealand as a working unit of the vessel that was to replace the one going Home, and that his discharge could then be granted. This satisfactory arrangement was carried out, the transport of the man's wife and children was effected, and a first-class craftsman has been added to the staff of a progressive New Zealand firm.