The Question BOX

Cue (NZERS), Issue 34, 31 October 1945, Page 40

The Question BOX

Question.—l hear that the granting of rehabilitation loans has been decentralized and that applications are now granted by local committees. What remedies have I if my application is refused by my local committee?

Answer. — District Executive Committees can grant but have no -power to refuse the granting of financial assistance without the confirmation of the Rehabilitation Loans Committee to whom you would be able to state your case.

Question. — am uncertain as to whether I want to go back to my old job when I get back. I’d like to look around a bit -first. How 7 long must my employer hold my job open for me?

Answer. —You must apply for reinstatement after the termination in New Zealand of your military service or before the end of six months after the termination overseas of such service. Military service ends wdien you are discharged. While enjoying the leave which accrued during your overseas service (i.e., the two days for each month of such service) you are regarded as still on military service. Service under manpower while on leave without pay is considered as military service. This will not affect you, however.

Question-. -want to set up as a garage proprietor after I return. Where can I get the equipment I shall need?

. Answer. — You can probably get much of what you will need from the War Assets Realisation Board. Discuss the matter with your Rehabilitation Officer. He -will have a list of

what machinery and tools are available.- Civilians have to tender for such equipment but you will have the privilege of purchasing by negotiation* You can also buy surplus army hutments either as premises or to supplement existing premises that are too small for your purpose. For a petrol pump, however, you must apply to the Bureau of Industry. Question. —I want to start up in a hardware business when I return. How do I go about getting stock? — Firstly, contact your local Rehabilitation Officer. He will put you on the right lines and save you a lot of unnecessary running around. Secondly, interview the New Zealand Hardware Merchants’ Association. They will give you a line on the business prospects in the district you have in mind and the possibility of securing stock. Thirdly, contact the ■ Minister of Supply, Wellington. It is to this Ministry that you make application for supplies of controlled and rationed goods, after recommendation by the local Rehabilitation Committee. You, as a returned serviceman,- will get preference where your application is properly recommended, provided it is considered practicable to grant the application. You must set out the full facts in such an application. Fourthly, interview the Collector of Customs at the nearest port to make application for Import or Indent Licences and to get information regarding their renewal. - .