DISABLED SOLDIERS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1929, Page 5

DISABLED SOLDIERS

EMPLOYAIKNT PROBLEM

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

DUNEDIN, Nov. 1

After sitting for six days, the Disabled Ex-Soldieis’ Commission con-

cluded the hearing of evidence in Dunedin to-day, and it will leave tomorrow morning for Wellington, where the evidence of Government Departmental officers will he heard. The Auckland sitting u ill be commenced on November T2th, and when it is concluded, the Commission will travel to Christchurch, after which it will return to Wellington for the hearing of further evidence. In the intervals between its sittings, the Commission will visit various institutions and make general inquiries.

Ihe evidence heard in Dunedin was of a very lengthy nature, and several important suggestions were made for tlie employment of disabled men. The most prominent suggestions were for the manufacture of goods which would not compete with the lines at present being manufactured in the Dominion; also 'farm colonies in which various types of farming would be comlfined; and seed farms.

Mr R. B. Tennent, Field Superintendent of the Agricultural Department, in giving evidence to-day, however, stated definitely that considerable losses could be -expected if the men were established in any kind of farming work. He added that the only feasible solution of the problem, in his opinion, was to have the men absorbed in secondary industries as under-rate workers, the Government granting a subsidy which would bring the men’s earnings up to the standard of the living wage. Air Tcinnent’s suggestion is one of which almost every wiDross has expressed himself in favour, and theCommission intends to obtain the views of the officials of the Labour organisations in Wellington. It is apparent that the Commission is giving very serious consideration to the p-Mubility of the establishment in AA r ellingtou of - a Board, with local Boards in each centre, whose task would be the control of all matters connected with disabled men, including the finding of suitable employment for them.