NATIONAL SERVICE LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 June 1917, Page 7

NATIONAL SERVICE LEAGUE.

HELPING RETURNED SOLDIERS. At the meeting of the New Zealand Farmers' Union at Hawera on Thursday ft circular was received from the secretary of the National Service' league, asking for assistance in urging the Government to build institutions for returned soldiers, at which they might he given instruction in various trades or professions. The chairman said that all would agree with the desire to do all they could for returned men. Mr. Maxwell agreed with the chairman in this desire to do everything possible to assist those who have offered their all for their country. They must, however, .be caretul to see that their efforts wer\> in the right direction. He considered it was not necessary or desirable to incur the expense suggested hy the circular. He was strongly of the opinion that it was better for them to get instruction in the Technical Colleges, which could be enlarged or extended so that the training required could he given in the community and amongst the people to Whom the men belonged | before the war. The Government must enlarge these colleges if required, and so facilitate the means at the disposal of the Education Boards. Mr. F. Mills said he generally endorsed all that Mr. Maxwell had said. It was important that men should get training in their own locality. He would like to testify to the good work being done by the Discharged Soldiers' Department, for which far too little credit was given by the public. Many did not know of the plans of this Department in doing yvliat was necessary for men disabled in the war to get training for a new vocation. The Jubilee Institute for the Blind will help the men who require its services. Technical Colleges will institute fresh classes if required; arrangements are being made for training men at State farms and also at Lincoln College. All must recognise the good work of the Department, and see that they are encouraged to go further if necessary in this important matter. . Mr. R. Hughes said lie was with the previous speakers in seeing that the very best is done for the men who had gone into the trenches. Anythipg that can be done should -be done most willingly. Mr. Pierce also agreed that it was right to help them and to keep them away from circumstances which would at all suggest or make them think of the experiences they had been through. On the motion of Mr. Maxwell, seconded by Mr. Pierce, the following motion was carried: "In reference to the recommendation of the National Servic League, as to the training of returned soldiers, this executive is of the opinion that the desired training can be best afforded by the present Technical Colleges and other institutions, or by an extension of them, and are of the opinion that among other things by this means concentration, and, with it, the taking of men away from their own districts and friends will be prevented." •—Star.