RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 October 1917, Page 2

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

'PREFERENCE OF EMPLOYMENT, At the meeting of the Taranaki Education Board yesterday, the New Plymouth Returned Soldiers' Association, through its secretary. Mr. W. P. Okey, asked that a returned soldier should he given preference when applications were being considered for the filling of tlie vacancy of truant inspector. One of the primary aims of the association was to find suitable employment for the disabled soldier and even now, when the men were returning only by dozens, its aim was a most difficult one to accomplish. How difficult it would become when the men returned in hundreds it was hard to say, but all must recognisa that it would be one of the most serious problems New Zealand would have to face. The associatins had on its books many men who, through disablement, were unable to attempt heavy work, but who could satisfactorily fill the position of truant inspector. The letter askod that the board would come to the association's assistance, and appoint one ol those men who had served their country, and had sacrificed good positions and much more in so doing. The chairman said he had replied stating that the aims of the association haft his sympathy, and that a returned soldier would be considered when a permanent appointment was being made, the present appointment only being for two months.