REHABILITATION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32423, 26 April 1944, Page 6

REHABILITATION

MEETING IN COROMANDEL TRAINING OF FARMERS OUTLINE OF NEW SCHEME The monthly meeting of the 'Coromandel Rehabilitation Committee was held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday, April 12. There was a full attendance of members. Considerable interest was shown in some of the latest efforts of the department, particularly in regard to the establishment of returned men on the land. Provision has now been made for the training of men who have had no farming experience but who are desirous of taking up this occupation and a scheme has been inaugurated whereby such men are placed with practical farmers for varying periods at a fixed wage, part of which is paid by the farmer and the balance paid as a subsidy 'by the Rehabilitation Department. To give effect to this, land boards have been set up, in various centres throughout New Zealand which will work in conjunction with the rehabilitation committees. In future applicants who are desirous of taking up land in the Coromandel Peninsula and who require financial assistance will first place their case before the local committee who will make a recommendation on the suitability of the project. The applicant will then, be required to place his case befoi'e the Farming Sub-Committee in Thames who will grade him and decide if he requires furthei* experience in this occupation before he is capable of managing a farm of his own. He is assisted in stating his case by the member of the local committee representing farming interests who will accompany him. This member will not only be his guide and advocate but will also sit as a member of the sub-commit-tee with full powers whilst this case is considered.

The sub-committee is composed of representatives of the Lands, Agricultural and State Advances -Departments with a returned member who is a rehabilitation committeeman as chairman. In addition various other persons following different branches of the farming industry may Ibe coopted as members when cases requiring more specialised knowledge are presented for consideration.