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A similar increase in demand and the same difficulty in obtaining plant to meet it has been experienced by other countries and restriction of supply has been necessary in many cases to an even greater -extent than in New Zealand. As an indication of the magnitude of the problem, it may be mentioned that the total pre-war capacity of State hydro-electric plants was 252,000 kilowatts, whereas at present the capacity exceeds 480,000 kilowatts, and there still remains a substantial unsatisfied •demand. Notwithstanding the continuing difficulty of obtaining machinery and equipment from overseas, it is estimated that indent commitments for items actually to arrive during the year will not be less than £2,750,000. Most of this plant will come from the United Kingdom. From these figures it is abundantly clear that hydroelectric development is being pursued with the utmost vigour. Rehabilitation In conformity with the Government's promise to ensure the •successful rehabilitation into civil life of all ex-servicemen and ;servicewomen, very substantial progress has been made. Demobilization, as recorded by the Rehabilitation Department, reached a total of 182,510 to 31st March last, which indicates that demobilization is now practically complete. In addition to providing remunerative employment in industry for those who desired it, the Rehabilitation Board's comprehensive trade training and education schemes have proved of very material benefit to ex-service personnel to fit them for participation in the economic life of the country. To date, trade training has been provided in 10,796 cases, farm training in 3,147 cases, and educational .assistance for 17,275. As a further indication of the assistance provided by the State, it is mentioned that to date no less than £51,000,000 has been expended for rehabilitation purposes, as follows: £ Loans for housing, farm-settlement, purchase of . businesses, furniture, and tools of trade .. 40,000,000 Purchase and, development of land for settlement 7,000,000 Trade training . . .. . . . . 2,000,000 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. 2,000,000 £51,000,000 Notwithstanding the progress indicated by these figures, a large actual and potential demand still exists for assistance, especially in respect of housing and land-settlement. This demand must be satisfied before the permanent re-establishment of all ex-service personnel

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