REPATRIATION DEPARTMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1920, Page 3

REPATRIATION DEPARTMENT.

I PROGRESS RETURN AS AT ! 20th. MARCH, 1920. | (13 months operations.) The Department’s Register now comprises the names of 77,368 men and of this number 50,703 have returned to the dominion since the 'beginning of 1919. Demobilisation cards are distributed as follows: District Repatriation Officer Auckland 17,286 District Repatriation Officer Wellington 21,663 District Repatriation Officer Canterbury 10,159 District Repatriation Officer Otaga 9,300 Head Office : 19,020 Total ! 77,369 Employment: —Since its inception the Department has been successful in providing suitable employment for 15,926 men, and only 152 named remained on the “employment wanted” register on 20th. of March, 1920—the majority- of this number having only registered during the preceding few dsyn. During the past month unemployment

sustenance allowances were granted in 25 cases and 12 men are at present receiving this form of assistance. The number registering for employment recently lias shown a marked decrease and it would appear therefore, that or.e of the Department’s most serious problems has been successfuly grappled with. Although no recrudescence of unemployment is expected—to most, of the men having been placed in “permanent” positions) the Department intends taking no risks in this respect and therefore no modification of its employment

organisation will he made at the present juncture. Training:—The importance of vocational training of partially disabled soldiers, apprentices, etc., can hardly be over-esteemed and this phase of the work of repatriation continues to expand. The training is under the direction of experienced Officers and the welfare of trainees is especially looked after hv members of the “After-Care” Branch. Reports to hand from the latter, indicate that the hulk of the men are making excellent progress and that at the present time over 100 trainees are completing their courses monthly and are taking positions as “skilled tradesmen.” During the past month 360 men commenced training making a total of 4,198 for whom training has been arranged to date. Of this number 918 have finished their courses leaving a balance of 3,880 -still being trained in the various Technical Schools or Special Soldier Classes and in the Workshops and Faotories of Private employers throughout the Dominion. Financial assistance: —During the (period fov'ered, bjv this report (13 months) 3159 loans for the purpose of establishing discharged soldiers in business have been approved by the Ministerial Board, involving an expenditure of £722801 and during the past month £85845 was paid out on behalf of Soldiers for Furniture, Tools, Business, Sustenance, Training fees, subsidised 'Wages, Assistance to Apprentices etc. The total amount expended to date under these headings is £966,244. Repayments: —During the month of February £21,817 was repaid by instalments making a. total of £91,37/ received to 29th. February, 1920 'in reduction of loans granted. Tn addition to this .sum £3,960 has been received as Interest on ."Business loans exceeding £SO. mmmmmmmmma