WAR AFTERMATH

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 137, 6 December 1929, Page 12

WAR AFTERMATH

WORK FOR EX-SOLDIERS

SIR A. H. RUSSELL'S VIEWS

PKOBLEMS OUTLINED

Some of the problems of meeting the needs of returned soldiers now in receipt of economic pensions, or other returned soldiers who cannot obtain such relief but who are through infirmity unable to support themselves, were dealt with by Major-General Sir A. H. Bussell, Dominion president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, when he gave evidence before the Soldiers 1 Rehabilitation Commission to-day. The Commission consists of Mr. J. S. Barton, S.M. (chairman), Sir John Luke, and Mr. S. J. Harrison. Sir. Andrew Eussell said the cases might be divided into three classes: (1) Those incapacitated by physical disablement due to wounds, and thereby prevented from following pre-war occupations, but of good mental and moral stability and "-with physical constitution unimpaired. (2) Thoso suffering disablement due to exposure, gassing, nervous straiiu, T. 8., neurasthenics, and certain classes of wounds; not always of good mental and moral stability, and with physical constitution impaired. (3) Those suffering from incapacity duo to premature ageing and general lowered efficiency; mental and moral stability often low, with loss of initiative, power of resistance, and of continuous effort; physical constitution commonly impaired. "To meet their needs," ho said, "we have at present the economic pension, and preference in certain employment— a •preference somewhat difficult to exercise. Of the above classes, as a rule, only those in Class 1 are fit subject for employment in the Public Service, by firms, and by private persons; and even so, vocational training for the particular work available may be necessary for those in Class 1. An appeal to the sympathy of private persons or firms through such medium as the King's roll of honour, will not in New Zealand, any more than it has done in England, solve the difficulty. Compulsory employment of a definite percentage of disabled men, according to the number of employees, has been put into operation in Germany, but with little measure of success, and is reported to be more distasteful to the disabled employee than to the employer. Such a system would appeal inapplicable to this country. An occasional case may be found in Class 2 fit for general work where the employer' understands the subject's disability and is ready to make due allowance for an impaired physique. - . x A SCHEME DISCUSSED. "More frequent cases may probably bo found in Class 3, but only where work of a very light nature is offered. Nevertheless every endeavour should be made to find occupation for as many .is possible, if only to lessen the numbers to be dealt with otherwise. By 'otherwise' it is intended to convey cither: "(1) Establishment of such men on small holdings or in some private enterprise. .It is unlikely that any but a very few could be wisely and successfully established in this manner without supervision. The fact of their having failed to establish themselves nearly" ten years after demobilisation, during part of which time repatriation benefits were in full swing,"suggests a want of initiative fatal to success when left to their own responsibility; till established, supervision and control necessary. "(2) Establishment of these men in what may be termed village settlements. It is suggested to meet cases which can neither find employment in the Public Service, nor with private individuals or firms, that it will bo necessary to establish such settlements where occupations suitable to the individual can .be organised. Such undertakings could not be looked upon as likely to earn profits. In England there are exceptions which can fairly claim to pay trade union rates of wages and earn a fair interest on capital invested, but investigation will not show that this is commonly the case. However, as the object aimed at is to provide suitable occupation as tending to a contented niind and better health, coupled with, in the ease of settlements, surroundings as. home-like as possible, the financial success is not of first importance, except insofar as the scope of the undertakings and the numbers provided for must be determined by financial considerations. A CAREFUL SELECTION. "Judging from what was seen recently in England, the success of these undertakings and settlements depends very, largely on the head of the establishment, his power to encourage a spirit of loyalty and co-operation, and enr a. careful selection of those admitted.^ In this way the rules are reduced to the bare minimum of those essential to-orderly working, and the freedom of the individual is interfered with as little as possible. Objections against such undertakings are sometimes put forward on the grounds that they interfere with _ existing factories. The answer to tms is that the right of an individual or individuals to embark in any trade or occupation cannot be denied, and is oemg exercised daily. Another objection is that the competaion is unfair in that the labour of disabled men is subsidised and thereSon T^T ldS This falls t0 the LOWERING THE PENSION. "Economic pensions, as at present, aio to a certain extent and in many cases unsatisfactory, in that ocenpS, generally necessary to mental and physical health, is absent, and there isL increasing number of men prematurely w^/ 1?? of + 15\ Wered economic efficiency who fall outside the scope of the economic pension Failing the establishment of settlements or even side by side iv th them, a lowering of the age at which the old ago pension becomes available may m such cases bo necessary.

(o) Boarding out with friends, or preferably, relatives may, in some cases, be applicable to class 3. To find employment, returned soldier employ ment boards in main centres would be required; a Government concern. To their care also re-establishment in private enterprise, where thought possible. This board might also recommend sus- ™ T°«. i W? nces Where b°arding out was both advisable and feasible. These boards to be mainly composed of business men but financed by the Government. The establishment of settlements, with industries attached, would require special boards to be set up who would thoroughly explore the different possibilities."