WELFARE PLANS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21211, 6 September 1940, Page 7

WELFARE PLANS

MEN IN CANADA EMPIRE AIR SCHEME WEEK-END HOSPITALITY (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday The initial planning to provide for the welfare of New Zealand trainees going to Canada under the Empire air scheme was outlined by Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. F. F. Waite, M.L.C., National Patriotic Fund Board Overseas Commissioner, in a report from Montreal to the board. He said he found that the preliminary work had already been done by Group-Capt. L. M. Isitt, the New Zealand Government representative on the Advisory Board administering the air scheme, his wife and Mr Firth, the New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Toronto. It was proposed to have a working committee in each main centre, said Lieut.-Colonel Waite, and within each central committee transport and hospitality sub-committees to arrange where possible for free transport and hospitality at week-ends. He pointed out that hotel charges were so high that our men could not afford on general rule to stay at hotels when on leave, and for that reason the hospitality sub-committees would perform valuable work. Mr Firth’s office was co-operating in the general scheme.

Lieut.-Colonel Waite made suggestions for the establishment of a regimental fund in Canada and the remission of money to meet any urgent claims that might arise. He said he was sure the welfare of the men would be well looked after, and thought New Zealand was fortunate in having such representatives in Canada.