REPATRIATION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 107, 30 January 1919, Page 6

REPATRIATION

VIEWS OF NURSERYMEN ,' VARIOUS SUGGESTIONS Attention to the question of repatriation wos given by the conference of the New Zealand Association of Nurserymen yesterday, when it was resolved to urge (he Gorormnent to bring down a scheme dealing with the problem. Mr. J. A. Green (Auckland) introduced the discussion by moving:—"That this [ conference respectfully urges on <tho Government tho necessity of evolving a practical and comprehensive scheme for the settlement of \ returned soldiers in various forms of rural occupations, (a) It urges that the scheme should include in its scope pastoral, agricultural, horticultural, and poultry-funning; (b) that it should, in our opinion, embody in it the main features outlined by Mr. George A. Green, in his letters to tho Prime Minister, which would involve: (1) The taking of definite steps by the Government to interest the men in the various branches of the scheme during their stay in hospitals and convalescent Ciimps in England and elsewhere. (2) T..e making of every effort to secure definite applications from the men for the particular class uf land or occupation which they prefer before (hey land in iNW Zealand. (3) Arrangements for the drafting of the men to the place, and occupation of their choice ns quickly aa possible ufler they land in New Zealand, and are found fit for employment, (4) Tho development as for as possible of the group or colony idea, with a view to proper training and effective control. (5) Providing machinery for the efficient preparation of the men for the various branches of rural occupation. (6) Providing aii efficient means of safeguarding the interests of the Dominion in relation to the capital • advanced. (7) Providing for, and financing the scheme, so that a living wage shall be paid to returned soldiers while working until their farms arrive at a profit." Mr. C. J. Burrowes (Southland) seconded the motion.

"Half Hie v,ounz fellows that are kicking iibimt nre afraid lo take work because if they do they will simply be demo out of their pensions," declared Mr. Green. "We can get evidence in this room to-day of one man whose pension unci that of his dependants was running into something like .£5. Hβ was not well, and is not well to-day, but tho moment ho took work 'hie whole pension was cut off. (Cries of "Shame!") I tell you I am boiling. The question of repatriation is a deep one, ami unless some scheme is brought down that will strike home ami settle the question,! it will produce a revolution litre that .will shake the whole country." What was needed was a repatriation scheme that would be worthy of the country and worthy of the mm who had fought. They were not going to nuke all the men orchardists or dairy farn.org, but they wanted to provide ((facilities that would permit of each man having a living wage secured to him. 'A'bsolute justice in regard to pensions should be meted out to the men.' It , tlu pension was not enough, and the man wne willing to observe the State's provisions, (hen he should be accorded the opportunity of earning a living wag». Returned men required, great care and training, which meant practically (hah they had lo'start lifn over again. The problem should be dealt with systematically. At the moment the men came back they should be dealt with by competent men, ~nd they should -be urged lo state their desires ri»ht away. Thousands of Ihe men needed to be looked after, and there were several thousands that should be brought into the scope of tbn scheme referred to m the resolution. The Waitcinata County Council had passed a similar motion to that which he had proposed, and a number of other local bodies had done the same. So far nothing had been done inso far as archar.de were concerned MivJ. E. Muir (Christchiuruii) thought the question was one which should l>e solved by Parliament. The Government should assist the'men who were unable lo earn full wages. It would be a difficult matter to induce some of i)ie men to go into the country and become horticulturists, o(c.

Mr. R. Nairn (Christchurch) was of opinion that repatriation was. a problem requiring the attention of the' Government solely, and not the private'employer. The Government thould bring down a policy, for it was its duty to do so. (Heair, hear.)

The resolution was'adopted. The conference also passed the following remit, submitted by the Canterbury Council -and the association, dealing with the employment of returned men :—"Thnt as a menus of usefully employing many of the returning soldiers, and "at the same time establishing a national asset of great economic value, the. Government 1)3 ii=k?d to vigorously push fonv.iKl fhe reafforestation and planting of our waste lands.".

It was explained that the idea behind tins remit was the need rf retimbering the waste area? of the Dominion. Large numbers' of returned soldiers, it was maintained, could be usefully employed on this work.