RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16421, 15 January 1919, Page 7

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

CHRISTCHURCH ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. | A meeting of the Executive of the* Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Asso--1 ciation was held last night, Mr N. B. McCallum presiding. Forty-five new members were elected, this making a total of over 100 new members for the past fortnight. A good deal of discussion took place regarding the serious problem of unemployment amongst the returned soldiers in the city. The secretary stated that he had 45 men on his books who wera seeking employment. Since November 11th he had obtained work for 37 men. It was stated during the discussion that some employers did not appear to be "playing the game" with regard to tho returned men, and tho secretary was instructed to advertise for positions for those who were seeking work at present. Messrs E. Smith and R. Harper wore provisionally elected to vacancies on the wynmittee. In accordance with a request from tho Board of Repatriation, the names of the chairman the Rev. W. Walker and Air W. E. Leadley were submitted, so that one could be elected to tho Canterbury District Board which is to be set up. It was thought that seeing the vital importance of *he Board's work to returned soldiers, they should have more than ono representative on the Board, and the secretary was instructed to write to tho Director of Repatriation to this effect. A letter was leceived from the C.D.C. stating that in view of the termination of hostilities, it would be unable to be responsible for the upkeep of the club rooms after the end of July next. The secretary was instructed to write to the C.D.C. thanking the organisation very heartily for its help in the past. A letter was received trom the Christchurch Defence Headquarters, regarding the Christchurch garrison Bports meeting, asking for two representatives from the Returned Soldiers' Association on the sports committee. Messrs G. R. Park and J. C. Mullins were elected. NUMBER UNEMPLOYED IN AUCKLAND. (special to "the press.") AUCKLAND, January 14. Unemployment is reported to be becoming greater among returned soldiers here. The number of men seeking work at the bureau during the past few weeks has been increasing daily, while the amount of work offering has been far below the demand. Many of the men for whom positions could not be found are unskilled labourers, and those who are suffering from some war disability, which limits their choice of work. There are on the bookß at present the names of 150 men who require employment immediately.