PRISONERS OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22611, 16 May 1945, Page 7

PRISONERS OF WAR

EDUCATIONAL COURSES j AID TO REHABILITATION thy Telegraph Press Association - WELLINGTON, Tuesday A special committee has been set up in Wellington to deal with the educational rehabilitation of New Zealand prisoners of war, the Minister of Rehabilitation, the Hon. C. F. Skinner, said today. Major-General Kippenberger and Mr R. M. Campbell, secretary to Mr W. J. Jordan, represent the Rehabilitation Board on this committee. Arrangements have been made with British Universities for New Zealand personnel to take short courses at these centres of learning. It is also hoped to be possible to make arrangements with certain trade firms to provide refresher courses for men awaiting passage home. The Minister said the rehabilitation of prisoners of war had to be preceded by a period during which a prisoner re-orients himself. Many prisoners had been cut off from their own country for four years and it took them some time to bring themselves up-to-date so that they were in a position to join in the discussions of their more fortunate comrades. It had been found that the progress of a released prisoner depended on how rapidly he secured sufficient information to enable him to take part in conversation about current matters with his friends —and later with his family. The ultimate rehabilitation work was not hurried. The problem of each man was varied, and had to be handled according to individual circumstances. Spread of Information Pamphlets, lectures and informal group discussions were used for spreadng information and advice, and it was always emphasised that successful rehabilitation depended largely on the individual’s desire to help himself. Many of the prisoners had spent their leisure time in prison camps in study and a follow-up to the work is being provided where required. The Minister said he wanted to stress that the handling of prisoners of war was not a rush job. When the men returned to New Zealand there would still be much to be done t 0 assist their readjustment and everyone could play a pari by appreciating the men’s