REHABILITATION IN WANGANUI DISTRICT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 127, 30 May 1944, Page 4

REHABILITATION IN WANGANUI DISTRICT

DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITY CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE Something of the interest which is being taken in the xvelfare of returning servicemen and women in the direction of assisting them back to civil life was told to a meeting of the Wanganui City Patriotic Committee yesterday- by the nexv district rehabilitation officer in Wanganui. Mr. J. H. W. Barber, who. xvith his assistant, Mr. E. J Appleton, attended the meeting by invitation. Introducing Mr. Barber and Mr. Appleton, the chairman of the committee (Mr. N. R. Bain) said that it was desirable Tor the Rehabilitation Department and the Patriotic Committee to xvork in harmony. Mr. Barber would be the first, to recognise that, the job of rehabilitation was a big one. There had been criticism of what was being done, but much of that was unjustified. "To be successful, Mr. Barber and Mr. Appleton must get to know the people xvith whom they are dealing,” said Mr. Bain. “We are here to help in any way we can, and if xve want help from the department we will ask for it. just the same as xve expect you to ask for ours.” Mr. Bain said that assistance for returning servicemen came down, in the end, 1o a question of finance, and it was difficult sometimes to be fair within the limits provided.

Mr. C. S. Young (honorary secretary) : What I want to knoxv is where we (as a patriotic committee) finish and the department begins. "I oan tell you that right, at the start,” said Mr. Barber, in reply. “We deal xvith personnel when they are discharged from the service without pay.” Mr. Barber said he was grateful for the desire of the Patriotic Committee to co-operate. He said that criticism which had been levelled at the department was largely misinformed. What, was to be done was laid doxvn on broad lines, but. the working out in detail of each individual case xvas the real task. He had to contact people xvho wanted assistance, which was open to men from the services, and xvomen, too. It would be the department’s policy to look into cases and advise applicants as to the future, bearing in mind their civilian occupation before they enlisted, together with their military background. He pointed out that, applicants themselves did not. always know what would best suit them. Some not physically fitted, or perhaps not experienced, wanted to be farmers. Mr. Barber added that he xvas glad tn meet the members of the Patriotic Committee, and he thought it desirable that his department should xvork in harmony with it. Any help his department could give would be readily given.

Various aspects of rehabilitation were discussed, members of the committee seeking information. Mr. Barber promised to contact the Press at a suitable time and give as full information as it was possible to give to the public.

Mr. Appleton endorsed Mr. Barber’s remarks. Mr. H. M. Keesing said that a great deal of good work had been done by Mr. Appleton, as departmental officer, prior to Mr. Barber’s arrival, and recognition of that work should be noted.

Members of the committee present xvere: Messrs. N. R. Bain (chairman), J. Williams, B. R. Dobbs, D. Strachan, W. R. Broxvn, H. M. Keesing, T. S. Russell, B. Pitkethley. F. Cameron, F. H. Bethwaite, J. Aylmer, C. S. Young, and J. H. Henson.