CURATIVE TRAINING.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1919, Page 3

CURATIVE TRAINING.

GOOD WORK AT ROTORUA

AUCKLAND, July 17

A statement regarding the progress of curative training of soldiers at Rotorua, lias been made by the Auckland District Repatriation Officer, Mr F. H. Burbush. While at Rotorua, Mr. Burbusli inspected the workshop in connexion with the King George Hospital. Excellent provision was being made for curative occupation, and the. vocational training of convalescent soldiers. As an instance of what can be accomplished by co-ordination, lie mentioned that he saw in the workshop attached to King George Hospital, nine men engaged in boot repairing under an instructor. Three of the men were working longer hours than was required in order to become as proficient as possible before being discharged. They stated that they wanted to learn how to repair boots for their households when they returned to civil life. Two of them were farmers, who considered a knowledge of boot-repairing .would be very useful to them in the country. Four men were undergoing a course, of instruction as part of the curative treat ment, and two others intimated their intention of taking up boot repairing as their vocation for the future. These men would probably be qualified to take positions as boot repairers when they left the institution. If they were not quite, qualified, then the Repatriation Department would carry them on under the subsidised workers’ scheme until they were fitted to earn their own livelihood. Without the. training received at Rotorua, these men might have had to be subsidised for twelve months.

A number of other classes wore seen by Mr Burbush, including woodwork, engineering, and engine-driving. The last-named has proved very popular with soldiers who were • farmers, for they find that instruction in running gas or motor engines will be of great value to them in these days of milking machines and motor traction. They are also keen to receive instruction in harness-making, saddlery, and carpentering. Poultry raising is also taught. In addition there are commercial classes under the vocational training scheme.

The State, nursery, at Whakarcwarewa, was also visited by Mr Burbush, who interviewed the officer in charge, in order that some arrangements might he made regarding the employment ot discharged soldiers in tree-planting at Wairakei Camp. He was informed that more accommodation was required, and this was being provided. Huts were, at present being built, but they could not he completed, owing to the difficulty of roofing material. When this work is" finished there will be accommodation for forty men at that camp.