NATIONAL SERVICE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 103, 24 January 1918, Page 6

NATIONAL SERVICE LEAGUE

ANNUAL REPORT SOLDIERS' TRAINING COLLEGE In his second annual report, the hon. organiser of the National Service League (Mr. F. Norris), for the year 1917, states:— Acting on instructions tho organiser started in February last advocating that a training college should be built and maintained by the Government for the efficient training of our disabled soldiers in some crafts or industry by which their former usefulness might be restored. Resolutions to that effect were, passed by public bodies and many churches, and other organisations, and forwarded to tho Government. Unfortunately tho Government, in Teplv to tho resolutions forwarded, did not view the proposal in a favournblo manner, and expressed the opinion that, for the. time being, the technical schools of the Dominion were sufficiently capable of imparting the required training' for disabled soldiers, overlooking the fact that special training was required, and i!::it mon would not like studying with juniors. As a result of the Government's inaction, it was deemed advisable to try to educate public ooinion in the direction advocated by the league, bo through the kindly assistance of a Poverty Bav resident, n booklet ontitled "Fighting Mon Kirnt ir Civ ; i Life" was publisher! and thousnuds of conies circulated throuyhotit the Do-! minion. The Government have now in- j troducod a scheme through the Dis- ! charged Soldiers' Department whereby every disabled soldier awl sailor has an opportunity of learning some useful ■ craft or industry. The soVmc. beinp j n Government one, is absolutely froe ! from cbaritv, so there noc-rl ho no hesitation on the part of tlio?e whom it i.s | established to benefit to take full nd- | vantage of tho opportunity offered to become efficient in some- branch of industry.

"I especially desire to bring nndor vmir noticp tbp benonoinl resorts of the pischargerl Solfliors 1 Dennrtnipiit. Tho interest taken.and tho ability and tnft shown by the officials in charge of this Department being ir, a large, measure responsible for the highly gratifvinc: results obtained, it remains for the public individually to assist and further by thoir support of the objects established for the benefit of disabled soldiers and their dependants. Thn thanks of the leagi.m are due to all those persons individually antl collectively who by their mippor't and interest have materially nssist?d io further the objects we are advocating. It has been suggested that the Ic-ague in some special manner shall recognise the splendid services rendered by the boys and girls who have given holp to the wives of soldiers on active sorvite. It is suggested that a certificate of ser. vice rendered be- granted-to every boy or girl who will give 5(1 hours' fiee service. Many schools have already a signpost suggested, with the words, 'Honour and help disabled soldiers in civil life. Help the Empire buy I'liitisb goods.' "

The league's advocacy of a distinctive mark on all goods made within the Empire of tlio word "British" ims not met with general approval. The i , ' ime Minister of the A.u.itr.ilian Commonwealth, on behalf of the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, suggested making the words "British Empire. ' Something should be done to help the puhlio to easily recognise British goods when buying.

A suggestion lias been made for the league to try to call public attention to the supporting of the orphannges in New Zealand, wliich we must look to in the future to care for many var orphans. If tins is done the Blind Institute at Auckland and tho Ilome for the Deaf and Mute at Chrissi'.mrch might be mentioned. Both institutions are doing a great national service to brighten the lives of those handicapped in civil life in our Dominion.

The league should now turn its attention to its second motto, to buy British goods, especially those made in Now Zeaiaud. An Empire Week night be advocated, falling in the same lvpek as Anzac Day; also that the Industrial Associations and Chambers of Commerce'should be asked to eo-oporate in formulating some scheme to bring piominently before the public permanently the advantage of buying goods isade in New Zealand or within the .British Empire. F. NORMS, ■ Hon. Organissr.

Schools Essay Competition, The following is a list of winners of medals and certificates offered +'or the best essay on "How to Help Disabled Soldiers in Civil Life." First prizes (gold medals uresonied by I l '. Cooper, Ltd., seed merchants) : — Boys: A. ■E. King, Waitaki High School. Girls: Winnie Mahon, Aratapu High School. Special piize: Helen Scanlon, Kaitawa School, via Eketahuna. Certificates of merit: May, E. Barltrop, Taupaki; Francis Finn', North Forest Hill: J. S. Ballaiioy, Rongahere; G. ' Gillard, Convent, Thames; E. Mathew. Plcckvilie; D. Bond, Mataroa; C. Mear, Okak ; ik'.ira; C. Cohb, Taupaki; Jim Kettie, Pirinoa ; j\[. Hobson, Hatuma; Tom J;uison, Tonga ponitu: L. Askew, Aratapu; L. Hirst, Russell; Ivy Bennett, Port Albert.