REPATRIATION DEPARTMENT (MEMORANDUM ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1919 Session I, H-30

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1919. NEW ZEALAND.

REPATRIATION DEPARTMENT (MEMORANDUM ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE).

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Repatriation Department, Wellington. No problem is of such supreme national importance to-day as the reabsorption into the industrial life of the community of our soldiers who have won for us such a glorious peace. This problem is, in New Zealand, the special concern of the " Repatriation Department," a Department of State set up under the provisions of the Repatriation Act, 1918, whose aim is to help every discharged soldier requiring assistance to secure for himself v position in the community at least as good as that relinquished by him when he joined the colours. REPATRIATION BOARD. The controlling body is the " Repatriation Board," comprising the following Ministers of the Crown: The Hon. W. 11. Herries (Minister of Railways), Chairman; the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald (Minister of Agriculture); the Hon. J. A. Hanati (Minister of Education); and the Hon. D..H. Guthrie (Minister of Lands). The Secretary to the Board is Mr. J 1). Cray. The decision to have a Repatriation Board instead of a single Minister did not fail to excite a good deal of criticism, the main argument against the Board of Ministers being that delay in the settlement of questions would be inevitable. Six months' experience, however, has shown this fear to be groundless. The Chairmen of the various District Boards and Committees have expressed their appreciation of the expeditious handling of all questions by the Board. In this connection it is interesting to note that our great sister Dominion of Canada (recognized as being in the forefront as regards repatriation), after two years' experience with a single Minister in Charge, has followed the example of New Zealand, and has set up a Repatriation Committee comprising six Ministers of the Crown. ORGANIZATION OF DEPARTMENT. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department is Mr. J. R. Samson, who is stationed in Wellington as " Director of Repatriation." In order to ensure the expeditious handling of all soldiers' applications for assistance the Board has adopted a policy of decentralization, and for this purpose the Dominion has been divided into four districts, known as the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago Districts. In each of the four centres, District Repatriation Boards, composed of prominent citizens nominated by such bodies as the Returned Soldiers' Association, the National Efficiency Board, the labour organizations, and the industrial, commercial, and patriotic interests of the comniunitv have been established', and departmental offices have been opened and staffed with discharged soldiers under the control of District Repatriation Officers at Auckland, Wellington, ('ln-istcliurch, and Dunedin. Repatriation Committees on a similar basis have been formed in the chief provincial towns, and offices with paid staffs are established in the following centres : — Hamilton Napier Wanganui Nelson Timaru Rotorua Hastings Palmerston North Blenheim Oamaru Gisborne New Plymouth Masterton Greymouth Invercargill.

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In addition to this some fifty honorary committees have been established throughout the country, and further committees are being formed from time to time in smaller places as recommended by the District Boards. Up to the present honorary committees have been set up at the following places : — Kaitaia Waihi Marton Waipawa Rangiora Whangarei Tauranga Bull's Waipukurau Ashburton Dargaville Opotiki Feilding Dannevirke Ceraldine Hclensville Te Awamutu Levin Woodville Temuka Cambridge Te Kuiti Stratford Pahiatua Fairlie Morrinsville Ohura Eltham Motueka Waimate Thames Taumarunui Hawera Westport Balclutha Coromandel Ohakune Patea Reefton Core Paeroa Taihape Wairoa Hokitika Clyde Te Aroha Hunterville Hastings Kaikoura Roxburgh. We would here acknowledge and heartily thank the various Boards and Committees for their loyal and strenuous work, which has proved of much assistance in carrying on the work of the Department. BENEFITS PROVIDED FOR DISCHARGED SOLDIERS. Under the Repatriation Act and the Instructions issued in connection therewith a wide range of assistance is available to discharged soldiers. This assistance may be summarized under three main headings, viz. : — 1. Employment. —The placing in suitable employment of all discharged soldiers who apply to the Department for assistance in that direction. 2. Training. —The educational and vocational training of discharged soldiers and soldiers' widows. '■). Financial Assistance. —The granting of financial assistance to discharged soldiers for the purpose of purchasing or establishing businesses, obtaining furniture, tools of trade, equipment, &c. Instructions issued under the Act set out the conditions under which loans or grants might be made, and, as the powers conferred on the District Boards and Local Committees were very wide, and a good deal was left to their judgment to avoid being official and stereotyped, it was considered advisable to hold a conference in Wellington at which members of the Repatriation Board could, with the Director, meet the Chairmen of District Boards and Committees, the various District Repatriation Officers, and representatives of Patriotic Societies, War Relief Associations, and the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association. This conference was held on the 13th-14th March, 1919, and was productive of much good. The conference considered the Repatriation Act and Instructions exhaustively, and as a result decisions were arrived at which it was considered could be adopted as general guiding principles, thus enabling the work of repatriation to be carried out on systematic and uniform lines throughout the Dominion. It was felt that although it was necessary that the Boards should have wide powers of administration in order to meet exceptional cases coming within their purview, it, was important to prevent as far as possible, any differentiation in the treatment of applications as between the various Boards and. Committees. Section I. —Employment. Perhaps this is the most important section of the Department's functions and one of its biggest tasks, for, although large numbers of men will require vocational training; or financial assistance to start in business, &c, by far the larger proportion will require help to obtain suitable employment. Up to the present time no great difficulty has been encountered in this connection, the experience of the Department being that only some 25 per cent, of the discharged soldiers desire the assistance of the Government. The remaining 75 per cent, apparently either resume their pre-war billets or find no difficulty in obtaining the work they desire. This satisfactory position indicates (a) that our men are continuing to show that spirit of self-reliance which characterized their efforts during the war, and (b) that the employers of the Dominion have risen to the occasion, are taking back, their old employees (many of whom have been drawing half-pay while on active service), and in addition to this are in many cases making room for others. These factors are of great importance, and it is mainly owing to that and to the excellent work of the Employment Committees, who have co-ordinated the loyal assistance of employers generally in the various centres, that the unemployment question is so well in hand. The men are returning at the rate of six thousand a month, but notwithstanding this and the fact that we are in the middle of winter, the number of names on the "Employment Wanted Register" of the Department throughout the Dominion is only 438, many of these having only just registered and others being in temporary employment. The number of men placed by the Department has shown a steady increase month by month, and the total placed to date is 8,867. This includes the figures of the original Discharged Soldiers' Information Department, which laid the foundation for the employment and training sections of the work, -

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The following table shows the number af men placed in the various groups of industry in each of the four districts :—

The chart appearing below shows that an increasing number of men have been placed in employment each month since the inception of the Repatriation Department—that the number of unemployed is not increasing and actually represents little more than one week's placings.

In the Commonwealth journal Repatriation of the 25th May, 1919, the .Minister of Repatriation, Senator Millen, reviews the unemployment position in Australia, and states that out of a total of 1.14,600 men returned up to the 28th February last. 5,000 (436 per cent.) were receiving sustenance at that date whilst awaiting employment. Senator Millen said that "he was particularly gratified at I his stale of affairs, and he confidently stated that no other country could show such a result in connection with its repatriation scheme." He mentioned further that during the five months following the Armistice the British Government had paid £14,300,000 in unemployment sustenance. So far as New Zealand is concerned, however, a much more satisfactory position is disclosed, for at the present time (20th August) the number of men on the unemployment sustenance list for the whole of the Dominion is only seventeen out of a total of 06,809 returned to date. Unemployment sustenance (inclusive of pension) is paid on the following basis: Soldier, £'1 2s. per week; -wife, 10s. per week; children (not exceeding four), 3s. 6d. per week each. A widower with children is entitled to sustenance allowance as though his wife were living. Transportation and Medical Fees. — The Department pays transportation of soldiers proceeding to employment, &c, and medical fees of those examined for appointment to the Public Service, the payments to date under these headings being £1,750.

Group. Auckland. Wellington. Canterbury, j Otago. Total. I ! ! 1. Wood, furniture, timber, &c. 2. Engineers, metal-workers 3. Food, tobacco, &c. . . 4. Clothing, boots, &c. 5. Books, printing, &c. 6. Other manufacturing 7. Building 8. Mining, quarrying, &c. 9. Rail and tram services . . ... 10. Other land transport 11. Shipping, wharf labour, &c. 12. Pastoral, agriculture, &c. 13. Domestic, hotels, &c. 14. General labour, and miscellaneous 15. Clerical 16. Government Totals]' 121 202 125 141 249 131 71 148 78 77 126 73 42 62 55 80 70 70 67 72 82 43 82 81 67 150 91 78 147 100 50 66 ! 64 222 451 227 73 180 101 424 895 427 145 303 166 156 464 163 1,857 3,667 2,034 76 101 49 67 30 35 39 38 47 47 33 139 62 285 1.18 143 1,309 f f ~ 524 622 346 343 189 255 260 244 355 372 213 1,039 416 2,031 732 926 8,867

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Section II, Training. The educational and vocational training of discharged soldiers is a most important feature of the operations of the Department, and great care must be exercised to consider the medical, technical, economic, and personal factors when selecting suitable trades or callings for men suffering from various disabilities. It is necessary to provide training for— (a.) Partially disabled soldiers who owing to war service are unable Io resume their prewar occupations. (b.) Those who enlisted at a comparatively early age and who hail not yet acquired a trade or calling ; ((•-.) Apprentices whose indentures had been interrupted by was service; (il.) Soldiers' widows. The arrangements made by the Department and the financial assistance provided during (nil ion is set out hereunder. (I.) Subsidized Workers. —Discharged soldiers desirous of learning new'trades or occupations, and who can be best trained within the environment of the trade itself, are placed in the workshops or factories of private employers under the Department's subsidized-wages scheme. The employer undertakes to train the applicant in the particular trade or calling, and pays the trainee a wage as fixed by a wages committee consisting of a representative of the trades-union concerned, the employer, and a representative of the Repatriation Department. The difference between the employer's wage and £3 per week is made up by the Department, such subsidy being quite irrespective of any pension allowance which the trainee is receiving. The wage paid by the employer is reviewed quarterly by the wages committee, and any increase granted during the currency of the permit is paid to the trainee and does not affect the Government subsidy. A proportion of the subsidy payable (amounting to 5s. per week) is retained by the Department ami is paid to the trainee on the satisfactory completion of the training. Amongst the trades being taught the following may be mentioned : Tailoring, bootmaking, watchmaking, wire-mattress making, electrical engineering, bag ami trunk making, carpentry, wire-weaving, electrical drafting, farming, photography, wicker-working, plumbing, Frenchpolishing, vulcanizing, hairdressing, machinery salesman, drapery, wool-classing, sheet-metal working, motor-car and coach painting, cabinetmaking, sailmaking, motor mechanics, dental mechanics, il-c. Under this scheme, which is greatly assisted by the co-operation of the various trades-unions, training and employment litis been arranged for a total of 1,186 men, and at the present time 1,013 are act nail g /icing /rained in workshops and factories throughout the Dominion. (2.) Special Soldier Classes and Technical Schools. —Vocational training in new trades is also arranged in the various technical schools, and special soldier classes have been formed in flu- main centres. The principal subjects taught are engineering (electrical, motor, mechanical), woodwork (carpentry, cabinetmaking, &c), commercial (book-keeping, correspondence, general office practice), and wool-classing. The instruction is of a practical nature, and the trainees receive intensive training of from six to seven hours per day. The workshops are well equipped with machinery, and the instructors are the best obtainable in their particular line. These classes are controlled by the technical schools through the Education Department, and the Repatriation Department provides the funds necessary for the extra instructors, the additional equipment, ami for (he trainees' sustenance. .Should a trainee from one of these classes be unable (after a reasonable period of tuition) to obtain a position at the ruling rate of wage the Department will further assist him under its subsidized-wages scheme. Sustenance to Trainees. —Sustenance is paid to technical trainees as follows:— Attending special soldier classes thirty hours or more per week: Soldier, t'2 IDs. per week; wife. Ills, per week; children (not exceeding four), 3s. 6d. per week each, plus pension. Attending ordinary technical school classes : Soldier, ,£2 I Os. per week ; wife, 10s. per week; children (not exceeding four), 3s. (id. per week each, inclusive of pension. Training under this particular scheme litis hern arrant/ed for .,t~>7 men to dale, and, there are l/IR att ending the classes til the present lime. Soldiers desiring educational training with a view to improving their education and who are working at their trades during the day receive free tuition at technical classes in the .evenings. University Training. -Fees for the professional training of discharged soldiers, also grants I'm- necessary text-books up to ,£."> 5s., are paid by the Department in approved cases, ami sustenance is paid on the same basis as that laid down for technical trainees. All applications are carefully considered, each case being dealt with on its merits. Preference is given to men whose course of study was interrupted by their military service, or men who show special aptitude and ability, partieulary if they are disabled. The Department's educational committees are in close touch with the University and college authorities, and review the progress of the students from time to time. At the present lime /cS'cV men are being assisted to learn profession's — divinity, medical, law, accountancy, teaching, cbc. (3.) BOOTMAKING. —A scheme for an instructional boot-factory submitted by the Auckland District Board was approved a few weeks ago. Suitable premises have been secured, and the machinery is now being installed al a cost to the Department of some £1,500. Additional

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machinery is being loaned by various firms free of charge, and the class will be conducted on practical lines, and will be to some extent self-supporting. This trade is recognized to be one especially adapted to disabled soldiers, and a knowledge of the processes can be acquired in a comparatively short time. (1.) ShEET-METAL WORKERS; —At the present time there is an acute shortage of sheet-metal workers in the Dominion, and, acting on the suggestion of the trades-union concerned, the Auckland Repatriation Board has established a class in. that city for the training of discharged soldiers. Suitable premises have been secured, and an expert with twenty years' experience and holding an honours certificate in the craft has been engaged as instructor. The Repatriation Board has authorized the necessary expenditure for the equipment, and the men will receive comprehensive training in the three main classes of the industry—viz., dairyingutensils, motor-bodies, and general tinsmithing. The trade is a comparatively light one (suited to partially disabled men), and the trainees are able, after six months' tuition, to earn the award wage in the trade. Facilities are provided for thirty discharged soldiers, so that two classes, totalling sixty men, can be trained in twelve months. (5.) Motor Driving and Running Repairs.—ln addition to the special motor-engineering class established at Auckland, arrangements have been made for the further training in that city of discharged soldiers in motor driving and running repairs. The instruction is provided in Farrell's Garage, Wyndham Street, and the Ministerial Board has authorized the necessary expenditure for the purchase, of extra equipment. The proprietor of the garage is a, returned soldier, and lie has a staff of three expert motor-mechanics who will act as instructors. The course extends over six weeks, and the men receive thorough instruction under the personal supervision of Mr. Farrell. Facilities are provided for the training of fifteen men at a time, so that, providing they can be placed in employment as quickly as the Department can train them, over a hundred discharged soldiers can be absorbed in this particular line within twelve months. (6.) Farm Training. In view of the importance of our primary products the Department offers every encouragement to discharged soldiers to take up farming pursuits, and in this connection has arranged facilities as follows: — (a.) Ruakura : Beekeeping, Fruitgrowing, and Poultry-raising. —These lines are considered to be especially suitable for partially disabled men for whom an outdoor life is desirable, and arrangements have been made with the Department of Agriculture for the training of such men on the Government Experimental Farm at Ruakura, near Hamilton. An additional hutment to accommodate thirty men has been erected at a cost of over .£3,000. Each man has a separate room; a library comprising books and periodicals of special interest to farmers has been installed, and the men should be very comfortable during their period of training. Up lo the present eighty men have been, trained, at Ruakura, and there are at present about thirty men accommodated on the farm. (b.) Weraroa. —Fit men desiring knowledge in specialized subjects are given training at the Government farm at Weraroa. Sixteen men are at present on the farm, and a hutment is in course of preparation to accommodate an additional number. (c.) Wairarapa Training-farm. —ln addition to the training provided at Ruakura and Weraroa, the Penrose Gift Farm (near Masterton) has, through the generosity of a number of settlers In the Wairarapa, been established as a soldiers' training-farm. The Department is providing accommodation for soldier trainees, Avho will be instructed in grain-growing, stock breeding and management, dairy-farming, &c, by thoroughly experienced practical men. (d.) Tauherenikau: Farm Training for Tubercular Men. —It is generally recognized that the best life for a tubercular man is an open-air one, but, as the Department of Agriculture was unable to accept men suffering from this disability for training along with, other disabled soldiers on their experimental farms, it became necessary for this Department to make special arrangements for the training of such men. We accordingly arranged to have the Tauherenikau Farm set aside for their instruction in pastoral and general agriculture work, and it is said that the healthy climate of the Wairarapa renders the place specially suited to men susceptible to tubercular disease. The instruction given is on strictly practical lines. Sustenance during Training. —The sustenance allowance payable to trainees at Ruakura, Weraroa, Wairarapa, and Tauherenikau is: Soldier, £2 10s. per week; wife, 10s. per week; children (not exceeding four), ,3s. 6d. per week each, plus pension. £1 per week is deducted for the soldier's board and lodging. (c.) Avonhead Settlement, Christ church. —A large block of excellent land in close proximity to Christchurch has been acquired by the Government for the purpose of establishing a discharged soldiers' settlement and instructional training-farm. On a portion of the farm, comprising 150 acres, special attention is being given to poultry-farming, beekeeping, fruitgrowing, and market-gardening; and in addition there will be sections for pig-raising, dairy-farming, and general agriculture work. The instructional farm in connection with the settlement is to be conducted by an expert overseer under the control of the Agriculture Department, the necessary funds for operating the farm being supplied by the Repatriation Department.

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Every effort is being made to ensure all the operations on the farm being of as much educational value in a practical way as is possible. (/.) Seed-raising Farm. —With a view to providing healthful outdoor occupation for discharged soldiers the Otago District Repatriation Board proposes that a seed-raising farm should be established on an area of the Westcott Settlement in Central Otago. The scheme has been submitted to the Department of Agriculture, whose experts report very favourably regarding the proposition. The land is reported to be peculiarly adapted for the purposes suggested, and. in view of the fact that the value of the seeds imported to New 'Zealand in 1915 was £327,590, it is believed that the farm will, in addition to providing congenial occupation for a number of returned men, prove to be a sound commercial undertaking. The Repatriation Board has decided to provide the necessary funds, and matters are in train for an immediate start. The farm will be managed by a special committee of experts comprising gentlemen with an intimate knowledge of the capabilities of the land as well as first-hand experience in seed-raising. (g.) Farm, Training (General). —Discharged soldiers requiring training in general farm-work — i.e., men wdio have had no previous experience; and who may later desire to take up land under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act—are given training with a practical farmer under the Department's subsidized-wages scheme. The wage paid by the farmer is subsidized by the Department in order to assure the trainee an income of £2 per week and his keep over and above pension allowance, and any increase in wages granted by the employer during the training does not affect the Department's subsidy. At the present time seventy-two men are being trained under this scheme, and indications go to show that as the fit men are discharged larger numbers are likely to seek assistance in this direction in the future. (7.) Afforestation. —A, number of discharged soldiers have recently expressed a desire to accept work on the State plantations at Waireka and Tapanui, and arrangements have been made with the Forestry Department for their employment. Hutments have been erected at both these camps for the accommodation of the men, and the equipment necessary —blankets, utensils, &c. — is provided by the Repatriation Department. The work is of a fairly light nature, and especially suited to discharged soldiers desiring outdoor employment. At the present time there are thirtythree men employed at Waireka (near Rotorua) and forty-four at Tapanui (Otago). (8.) Apprentices.—Discharged soldiers whose apprenticeship has been broken by war service and who are compelled to resume work at a small wage are financially assisted by the Department in order that their income may be not less than £3 per week, irrespective of any pension they may be receiving. No difficulty is being experienced in apprentices arranging to complete their apprenticeships, and in the majority of cases the employers are paying a higher wage than the award scale. (9.) Training of Soldiers' Widows. —Training facilities in useful occupations for soldiers' widows without children, and sustenance whilst undergoing training at such rate as will bring their income, inclusive of pension, up to £1 15s. per week, may be afforded by the Department. (10.) Blind Soldiers.—Up to the present eight discharged soldiers have returned to the Dominion suffering from total blindness, and each of these men is drawing the full pension with an allowance for his attendant. Immediately upon his return the Repatriation Department communicates with each man to see how lie can be best, assisted. Notice of each man's arrival in the Dominion is also forwarded to the Secretary, Jubilee Institute for the Blind, Auckland, and to the Secretary, Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Blind Soldiers' and Sailors' Fund, Victoria Street, Wellington. The total number of men for whom training has been arranged to date under the various schemes is 1,927, and of this number 1,615 are still in training Of the 312 who have finished their training the majority completed their course satisfactorily and were placed in suitable positions. A few, however, were unfortunately compelled to give up on account of ill health, whilst in a few cases the training had to be discontinued owing to the misconduct of the trainees. The following table shows the number of men at present being trained in the various groups of industry in each of the four districts : —

Group. Auckland. Wellington. (lanterbury. Otago. Total. Wood Leather Vletal clothing Commercial Farming Professional Dther groups 87 36 162 8 75 52 76 50 j_ 40 25 118 18 71 68 22 41 30 28 80 13 57 5 18 48 66 24 109 14 62 16 72 15 223 113 469 53 268 141 188 160 Totals .. 552 406 279 378 1,615

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The chart below shows the number of men for whom training has been arranged each month and the total number of men in training.

Section 111. —Financial Assistance. Under the instructions issued in connection with the Repatriation Act, District Boards or Local Committees are empowered to grant financial assistance to discharged soldiers or soldiers' widows on the following terms : — (a.) Business Loans. —Loans not exceeding £300 to establish or purchase businesses may be made for a term of years with or without security. £5(1 is loaned free of interest, the remainder bearing interest at live per cent, per annum. A great amount of work has beep done by the various Boards and Committees in investigating applications under this heading. Each applicant is carefully examined, the suitability and prospects of the business are fully gone into, and the loan is not granted unless the Board is convinced that by approving if they are serving the soldier's best interests. The Department has laid it down as a guiding principle that except in exceptional circumstances loans are not to be granted to applicants (1) who an- already in situations equal to their pre-war positions, (2) who are satisfactorily settled in business, or (3) who are in a position lo finance themselves. All loans exceeding £50 must be approved by the Ministerial Board, and up In the SO/h August a total of 1,178 loans have been ratified, entailing an expenditure of £.201,.81/9. The following list, gives an idea of the remarkable diversity of businesses in which discharged soldiers have been assisted to make a start :— Accountants . . . . .. . . 2 Concrete-construction .. . . . . 2 Auctioneers . . .. .. . . 9 Contractors . . . . . . .. 6 Bakers .. .. .. .. 10 Customhouse agents .. .. .. 2 Barristers and solicitors .. .. 11 Dairy business and milk-vendors .. 16 Bee-farming .. .. .. .. 15 I Dentists .. .. .. .. 13 Booksellers and stationers .. .. IH Doctors .. .. .. .. 3 Boardinghouse and private hotel keepers.. 9 Duck-farmer .. .. .. .. ] Boot-importers .. ~ .. 10 Dyers and cleaners"'? .. .. .. 2 Boot-manufacturers . . . . . . 13 Engineering business . . . . .. 2 Boot-repairers . . . . . . 5 Engineering, electrical . . . . . . i) Billiard-saloonkeepers.. .. .. 5 Engineering motor .. .. .. 10 Blacksmiths .". .. .. .. 26 Farming* .. .. .. 88 Builders .. .. .. .. 16 Farming machinery lor contracts .. 21 Butchers .. .. .. .. 22 | Fishing business .. .. .. 72 Buyer for island trades and merchants .. 1 | Forwarding agents .. .. .. |2 Basketmakers . . . . . . 3 Fruit and confectionery business . . 41 Brick and tile making . . .. . . 3 Fruitgrowing . . . . . , ~ 2 Cabinetmaking .. .. . . 33 Furniture-dealers . . . . . . 7 Carriers Horse . . . . .. 44 Iron-founder . . .. . . . . 1 Carriers Motor . . .. . . 103 Greengrocer: . . . . . . .. ] Chaff-cutting .. .. .. .. |7 Grocery and general store keeping .. 96 Chairmaking . . . . . . . . ' 1 Grain-merchants . . . . . . 4 Chemists •.. .. .. .. 15 Hardware .. .. .. .. 3 Coachbuilding .. .. .. 1 Hat-manufacturer .. .. .. 1 Coach-painters .. .. .. 2 j Heat appliances agent .. .. .. 1 Coal-merchants .. .. ~ 19 > Hawking business .. .. .. 1

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Horse-trainer. . .. .. .. II Restaurants .. . . .. .. 9 Indent agents .. .. .. 8 Road-contracting .. .. .. 5 Insurance .. .. .. .. 2 Saddlers .. .. . . . . 5 Importers . . .. .. .. 4 Sauce-manufacturing .. .. .. 1 Land agents .. .. .. .. 10 Sawmillers .. .. .. .. 4 Lignite colliery . . .. . . 1 School (private boys') .. .. . . 1 Livery and bait stables . . .. 5 | Scow (loan for) .. . . .. 1 Mail-order business .. .. .. 1 Signwriters . . . . . . . . 2 Masseur .. . . . . .. 1 j Shirtmakers .. . ... .. 2 Manufacturers' agents . . .. . . 1.4 ; Skating-rink .. .. . . . . 1 Mercery and soft-goods business.. .. 16 " Supreme" lighting business .. .. 1 Mineral-water business. . .. . . 2 Surveyors .. . . . . .. 4 Miner .. .. .. .. 1 Tailors .. .. .. .. 21 Motor agents . . . . .. .. 3 Tea-merchants . . .. .. 2 Motor-bus service .. . . .. 12 Tea-rooms .. .. .. .. 5 Motor-cycle garage, . . . . .. 9 Threshing business .. . . .. 1 Motor garage and repairs . . .. 30 I Timber-merchant . . . . .. 1 Motor-launch service . . .. .. 7 Tobacconists and hairdressers .. . . 31 Taxi business. . .. .. .. 61 Undertakers .. .. .. .. 2 Music-teachers .. .. .. 3 Veterinary surgeon .. .. .. 1 Newspaper-proprietors.. .. .. 5 Vulcanizing business .. .. .. 1 Nursery-gardeners . . . . . . 5 Wool-dealer . . .. .. . . 1. Paperhangers and painters .. . . 8 Wool-press manufacturing .. .. 1 Piano-importer . . . . .. 1 Wool-weaver . . .. .. .. 1. Picture-theatres .. .. .. 3 Watchmakers and jewellers .. .. 9 Pig-farmers .. .. .. .. 4 Vehicle and implement importers .. 2 Photographers .. .. .. 7 Commercial journal .. .. .. 1 Poultry-farmers .. .. . . 8 Plumbers . . .. .. . . 9 Total .. . . .. 1,178 Perambulator business. . . . . . 1 *It will be noted that eighty-eight farmers have been assisted. These applications were outside the scope of the Lands Department, and in such cases the Repatriation Department considers applications for assistance up to £300 for the purchase of stock, &c. (/..) Founiture, Tools of Teade, Equipment, etc. — Loans not exceeding £50 (free of interest) may be made for the purchase of household furniture, tools of trade, professional instruments, or such other articles of personal equipment as may be deemed necessary to the applicant in exercising his calling. Applicants are required to furnish the vendor's price-list of the articles required. These loans are granted only to married men (or men with dependants requiring a home) who are in employment, or who are established in business, or are subsidized workers; and also to soldiers' widows. The number of applications approved to date under this heading is over 2,400, and of this number over 1,800 are for the purchase of household furniture. (...) Assisted Passages.—Grants not exceeding £50 may be made to an incapacitated soldier or the widow of a deceased soldier in respect of passage-money beyond New Zealand, provided the Board or Local Committee is satisfied that, such a change of location is desirable or necessary. Very few applications have been received under this heading, and only forty have been approved to date. The following chart shows the number of applications for financial assistance approved and refused each month : —

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EXPENDITURE ON SOLDIERS. The total amount advanced to or expended on behalf of soldiers since the inception of the Department is as follows :— Loans :— £ s. d. Businesses ... ... ... ... ... 193,951 6 8 Furniture ... ... ... ... ... 56,580 4 6 Tools, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 5,337 1.1 5 Grants: — Training sustenance , , ... ... ... 16,868 910 Unemployment sustenance ... .. ... ... 3,089 0 5 Transportation ... ... ... ... ... 1,275 II 1 Total ... ... ... ... £277,102 311 Of this total it will be noted that the bulk (93 per cent.) is by way of loan and is repayable by the soldier. Returns to hand show that £6,000 lias already been repaid, mostly in very small sums; and reports from the District Repatriation Officers indicate that almost without exception the men are loyally meeting their obligations in the matter of repayments. A. chart showing the monthly expenditure and repayments is shown below.

AI )M [NISTEATION EXPEND!TUR E. The administration expenses of the Department to date amount to £16,750, or 6 per cent, of the total expenditure. This amount, of course, includes the initial expenses connected with the setting-up of the Department and the furnishing and equipping of the nineteen branches, and the proportion of administration expenditure to soldiers' expenditure is steadily decreasing. GENERAL REMARKS. Briefly reviewing the report, it will be seen from the figures that the unemployment question is well in hand; a great measure of success is attending the Department's educational and vocational retraining schemes, and large numbers of soldiers are availing themselves of the liberal financial assistance provided for them; and are meeting their obligations promptly. The Department is honestly doing its best in the interests of the discharged soldiers—there is no " camouflage," and each applicant for assistance is sympathetically dealt with. Bearing in mind the fact that the invalided men are already to a great extent repatriated, or are being trained and are well on the way towards that goal, and that the majority of those now returning are. fit men, the Department believes it is justified in taking an optimistic view of the future, and confidently anticipates that the very satisfactory conditions at present prevailing will continue until the whole of our boys have been resettled in the Dominion that they have so worthily represented at the front. We have acknowledged the great work that has been accomplished by the patriotic workers on the various Boards and Committees, and would thank also the members of the staff in the different branches for their loyal, support and heart)' co-operation Reports furnished to the Director by the four District Repatriation Officers, at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, are appended. W. H. Heebies, Chairman. Repatriation Board. W. D. S. MaoDonam), ) J. A. Hanan, [ Members of the Board. D. H. Guthrie, I Wellington, 20th August, 1919.

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PROGRESS REPORT OF THE DISTRICT REPATRIATION OFFICER. AUCKLAND, AS AT 20th AUGUST, 1919. Employment. —Although (he number remaining on the Employment Wanted Register shows a slight increase (172 as against 156) the position must be considered satisfactory. The railway cut has seriously affected the labour-market, and large numbers of men have applied for employment. The total number of applications received during the month of August was 455, but by vigorous efforts 325 men were definitely placed in employment: 114 failed to apply for over a month and are presumed to be in employment. A total of NO men were sent to employment in the country, mostly to public works. When it is noted that there were 200 men on the Employment Wanted Register when the Department commenced operations, and that, although thousands have returned since then, the number of men seeking work is now less, the employment question must lie considered fairly satisfactory. Sustenance. —The number of sustenance cases deall with shows a satisfactory decrease, During the month ending 20th July ninety cases were approved, involving an expenditure of £364 12s. 3d., as against fifty cases approved, at a cost of £196 3s. for the August period. In most cases sustenance was only required for one or two weeks. It is a valuable means of assistance when properly applied. Training. —The number of men working under the Department's subsidized-wages scheme, or receiving sustenance while attending technical (lasses, was considerably increased during the month, 208 cases having been approved, bringing the total number of trainees in the district up to 556, six having completed their courses. Reports received show that 518 are making satisfactory progress. The training section of repatriation work has been very aggressively dealt with during the past two months, and while many men have been placed provision has been and is being made for future needs. The " light employment " problem is being gradually overcomeby the extension of training facilities, and incidentally a saving is being effected in unemployment sustenance grants. Two of the four schemes which were in course of solution in July have become workable propositions—namely, the motor-driving and running-repairs class, and the extension of the commercial-instruction class. New quarters have been found for the whole of the latter, which will come directly under the control of the Repatriation Department on the Ist September. The motor-driving and running-repairs school is accommodating seventeen men. The sheet-metal workers class is about ready to commence operations, and it is expected that during September the bootmaking class will also commence a section of its work. The motorengineering class is carrying on satisfactorily at the Technical College. Very little difficulty is experienced in placing men in private workshops and factories. A conference was held during the month between myself and the Vocational Officer, representing this Department, and representatives from the Federation of Labour and various trades-unions. As the result of that conference a number of minor points which were not clearly understood were explained, and further proof was given by the representatives of labour of their anxiety to assist in the repatriation of soldiers. We have recently had some noteable examples of the success of the subsidized-workers scheme. I might mention one case in particular. A seaman had practically lost the use of his left arm as the result of gunshot wounds received in action. He was placed as a boot operative, and at the end of twelve months was given a position in a factory at the award rate of pay. A further gratifying feature in his case was that his training was curative, and he has not only learned a new trade in twelve months, but his arm has almost regained its pre-war usefulness. There are other, perhaps better, examples of the success of the scheme which might be mentioned. The apprentice question is no! giving much trouble in Auckland, employers in practically every case having increased (he amount due under the award rate without being approached by the Department. There have been some employers, however, who have not agreed to increase the rate even after they have been approached by one of our officers. We are experiencing some trouble with law students and chemists' assistants. We have approached the Law- Society, and have been assured of its support in our efforts towards repatriation. Financial Assistance. —The statement of expenditure for the month ending 20th August shows that a total amount of £41,663 4s. Kid. was disbursed, as against, £26,634 Bs. 3d. for the previous period. The principal item of expenditure was the sum of £31,092 16s. sd. for business loans, as against £1.7,829 9s. 2d. for the previous month. Loans for the purchase of furniture show a slight decline, but loans and subsidies for tools of trade and training show increases, the latter in a marked degree. Of the 534 applications received during the month 510 were approved, fourteen refused, and five withdrawn. While applications for loans to purchase businesses are increasing in number, those for furniture have remained stationary for the past two months. An analysis of the Receiver's cash-book shows that for the months of June, July, and August approximately 83 per cent, of repayments has been made. Of a total sum of £2.026 7s. Bd. due, approximately £300 will remain unpaid at the end of the month. Most of this sum has been accounted for in the usual business way, applications having been received for an extension of time in which to make repayments. Our inspecting officer reports that during his visits to the business places of soldiers who have been assisted by the Department he has found most of them contented and pleased with their prospects. Some, however, have complained that the railway restrictions have affected business, and others who have gone in for seasonable businesses report that they are having a struggle to make ends meet, but hope to do good business in the summertime, there have been but three cases so far of men giving up business, and in only one do we expect a departmental loss. It is probable that losses will be made on others, but as each successful applicant for a business loan is now given a small journal in which to record his daily cash receipts and disbursements, and as our own system of inspection is fairly complete, we hope to

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keep these losses down to a minimum. A classified list compiled on the 20th August shows that 1,000 loans for businesses have been granted or approved, ranging in value from £45 to £300 and that approximately £100,000 has been advanced or approved for this purpose. District Board and Local Committees.—The Chairman and members of the Auckland District Board and members of the Local Committees are working with enthusiasm. A considerable amount of voluntary labour is done by these gentlemen on behalf of soldiers. In committee applicants for loans for businesses get much valuable advice from successful business men, who are freely giving their time outside of Board meetings. As the result of close co-operation between the district staff and Board and Head Office staff and Ministerial Board it is possible, even with the delayed railway service, to complete a business transaction in a fortnight from the date on which the application is made, and of this time it" may be noted six days is consumed in the carriage of file to and from Wellington. A gratifying feature in connection with the District Board's operations during the month was the appointment of a member of the executive of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic and War Relief Association to a seat on the Board. Twenty honorary local committees are at work in the district, and there is now a general uniformity in their handling of cases. From time to time fresh instructions have been sent from the District Office until a satisfactory system has been devised. By this system most causes of delay have been remedied, and cases are coming forward in better order for presentation to the District Board. All country correspondence is answered on the day it is received, and cheques are posted on the day the requisitions arrive. It has obviously been difficult to organize a large and scattered district such as Auckland while an accumulation of work was being overcome, but this has been done. I have visited every Local Committee and am thus conversant with the needs of each town and in touch with the local members and officers. 1 do not expect any serious repatriation problems to arise in the Auckland District in the future. General. —The work of the Auckland Office is proceeding generally on satisfactory lines. New problems confront the staff daily, but usually there is no lack of initiative or ability'to solve these problems as they arise. The organization is fairly complete, and delays in handling cases, whether from city or country are rare. The members of the staff exhibit a commendable keenness to meet the needs of their former comrades. Repatriation in Auckland is not passive, it is aggressive in quality. We are working in harmony with the District Board, Local Committees, Returned Soldiers' Association, Employers Association, Federation of Labour, and public criticism is practically nil. Frank H. Buebush, District Repatriation Officer. Auckland. PROGRESS REPORT OK THE DISTRICT REPATRIATION OFFICER, WELLINGTON, AS AT 20th AUGUST, 1919. Business Loans. —The class of. proposition coming before the Board has improved a, great, deal recently, and the businesses seem to be in the main quite successful. There are three propositions which have given great trouble and have required careful nursing— (a) Fishing-launch, (b) motorvan, (c) taxi-ear. These three cases it is hoped will now prove paying propositions. Some other taxi-cars have given trouble, but a satisfactory feature is that the applicants always come straight to the office when things go wrong, thus giving us an opportunity of helping them. One failure has been recorded, due to lack of business knowledge—this was a country case. The assets have beeen sold, and a net loss of £12 is anticipated. In this case the applicant brought in his accounts and stated the position quite frankly; he will be given a clean discharge from his liability. Repayments now amount to some £700 per month, and with few exceptions are regular. The Board insists on applicants repaying as quickly as possible, the idea being an enforced saving and enabling the Department to help more men with a given amount of capital. In July, for example, the repayments would suffice to start two or three men in business. The Board also is endeavouring to assist those with the greatest claim first, and not to allow a flood of applicants with no claim of loss through service to close the field to those with a stronger claim not yet returned. Training. —So far as can be found there is only one disabled man in Wellington who is not either in a suitable job or being trained for one. The man in question is satisfied at present—he has been assisted with furniture and will be permanently fixed up when he is ready. His income at present from pension and earnings is £5 10s. per week. Special classes are at work at the technical school, and there appears to be general satisfaction with these arrangements, which are augmented by private schools and coaches. Furniture Loans. —These are being applied for in great numbers, and in most cases they are repaid over a period of two years. An exhaustive inspection disclosed a, satisfactory state of affairs as regards price and quality, and the various firms have arranged to give special discounts. Bills of sale are taken to prevent misguided men obtaining loans and then selling their furniture for very low prices, with the effect of great loss of money to the State and no permanent benefit to the men. Repayments are regular and satisfactory. Tools of Trade. —Applications under this head are fairly numerous and repayments are satisfactory. Employment. —As a general rule a, man applying for employment is placed within one week, otherwise he is allowed sustenance. Only four cases of sustenance for this office were recorded last month. The country districts were higher, but. it is anticipated that during the summer the position will improve. Two points should be noticed in .this connection : (a,) In many cases it is impossible to offer a man employment which is commensurate with his pre-war position plus the increases which should be available to meet the different conditions now — e.g., increased cost of

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living; (b) the work found in many cases is purely temporary, and the Department has assured the men that the Government does not consider its liability fully met by thus placing them. All the soldiers appear to be realizing the difficulty and are willing to accept any work, relying on our assurance that we will continue to do our best for them. Apprentices .—A great number of apprentices are being assisted to complete their indentures, and it is satisfactory to note that the majority of the employers are recognising the value of the general knowledge gained by the apprentice on service by allowing a higher wage than he was drawing before leaving for camp. General. —The Patriotic Societies have co-operated with the Department in all respects. Loans from the Department have been augmented by the Patriotic Societies, and much valuable information has been supplied by them. A great deal of time and trouble is expended by members of Local Committees in examining propositions and advising applicants. I would like also to acknowledge here the vast amount of work done by the Chairman of the District Board (Mr. Weston), who has personally gone into every case coming before the Board. C. W. Batten, District Repatriation Officer, Wellington. PROGRESS REPORT OF THE DISTRICT REPATRIATION OFFICER, CHRISTCHURCH, AS AT 20th AUGUST, 1919. Machinery. —The machinery set up to deal with the matter of repatriation shows evidence of having been thoroughly considered to meet the varying kinds of assistance required in successfully repatriating the returned soldier. It was claimed that the question had been so hastily and immaturely considered that no definite constructive policy had been laid down, and that the scheme was doomed to failure. Without commenting on these criticisms, I submit that the proof of any undertaking is in its results; and as to the latter, I think I may safely claim, at least for this district, that they have exceeded even the most sanguine expectations. There are always to be found critics, and constructive criticism is not unwelcome, but purely destructive criticism leads nowhere, and I venture to say that the work of the Department has so far offered very little scope for the captious critic. In speaking with a well-known journalist in this connection, he admitted frankly that he had anticipated being inundated with the usual letters of complaint about the shortcomings of the Repatriation Department, but that it was a welcome surprise to find that it was absolutely the reverse. Even the conference of the Returned Soldiers' Association held here recently did not discover much in the regulations that they considered should be improved, and the suggestions they did make were only in the way of increased advances. I submit, therefore, that the machinery provided is generous and of a comprehensive character to meet the position, as already proven by results. Employment. —This I consider the most difficult part of repatriation. The personal element has to be so much considered when dealing with employment matters that unless time and sympathy is freely given to each applicant the best use of the country's man-power is not going to be utilized. Each case has its own peculiar atmosphere,'and unless imagination and foresight are shown in dealing with them I feel sure true repatriation is not going to be attained. There are numbers of men returned disabled and unable to follow their old occupations; these have to be subsidized into trades that are most suitable to their ability, viewed from the points of physical capacity and previous training, so that they will again be able to take their part in the country's production. In view of all the foregoing, I feel that this aspect of the work in Canterbury has been singularly successful. Over two thousand men have been employed, the great majority permanently so; and when one remembers that a big proportion of men who left New Zealand had no trade to their hand, but were just " rolling stones," it must be conceded that the Department has not only been successful in getting men back to employment, but has in addition settled many into useful occupation who would otherwise have become casuals, as of yore. We are subsidizing nearly 200 men, who are either learning new trades, owing to war disabilities precluding them from following their old ones, or are completing broken indentures. lam convinced that the financial assistance provided these men will bear fruit in the form of added asset to the country's producing-power. Sustenance is provided in the regulations to men for whom the Department is unable to obtain employment. It is a wise provision if carefully handled, but experience has shown that where sustenance is freely given it kills initiative and the desire to obtain work, for I submit it is encumbent on the man himself to exert some euergy on his own behalf and not leave everything to the Department. The aim must be to encourage self-reliance as far as is both reasonable and just. Having these points in view, sustenance can be provided where it is going to be a real help and not a hindrance to true repatriation. Business Loans. —Splendid assistance has been given under this heading for the purpose of establishing men into businesses of their own. Many applicants who apply for this kind of assistance have no claim to such, and I consider the guiding principles in deciding who is or is not eligible for this assistance should be—(a) Whether already in a permanent position at least as good as the pre-war one; (b) whether unfit to follow old occupation; (c) whether, in view of experience of applicant and other special circumstances, the proposition offers a reasonable chance of securing for him a stea.dy and profitable business. I consider it worse than useless starting men out "on their own" unless they know something of the, business they wish to undertake. Generally speaking I think the Canterbury Board has been actuated by these principles when dealing with business applications, and the result so far has been eminently satisfactory, considering that £40,000 has already been granted for this purpose, and that we have had only two

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small failures, involving a total loss to the Department of some £11. Grantees in the majority of cases seem to be meeting with, success, and there is pleasing evidence of an earnest desire to fulfil their obligations at the proper time. 1 consider this assistance an important factor in repatriating certain cases, and that it is providing splendid opportunities for men who would otherwise be placed at a disadvantage compared with the subsidized workers. Bearing the foregoing principles in mind, I think that assistance given under this heading will be shown to have been of the greatest value to the recipients. Furniture. —The provision of a loan for the purpose of purchasing furniture has enabled many to start housekeeping on the easiest of terms, and has also been of great value to those who on entering camp had to sell out and now wish to start again. It is playing an important part in the settling-down process, and is in every way a very wise provision and one that is being most readily availed of. It is only being granted in cases of necessity, and any attempt to procure articles of luxury is met with prompt refusal. The terms of repayment are very liberal, and range from £1. to £1 10s. monthly, which brings it within the reach, of all. Over £13,000 has already been provided for this purpose, and the repayments are being made promptly in nearly all cases. I think it will be shown that the assistance given to home-builders by the granting of these loans is of real value to the country. Educational. —The student who had to give up his studies to get away to the front, or the man who, though eminently fitted to take up a professional career, lacked the wherewithal to do so, are most liberally provided for under the regulations, and so long as they are prepared to work and show a real desire to complete their studies, they are assured of every help and consideration from, the Department. The reports of all our trainees are most pleasingly satisfactory, and the successful outcome of their studies will be of the utmost benefit to all concerned. Armless Men. —Of all the disabled men the most difficult to repatriate are those who are minus an arm. Though we have been successful in placing several of these, we still have five for whom we are unable to find positions. It is important that these men should be made to feel that they are still of some use to the community, as otherwise they are prone to become despondent and brood over their disabilities. It would seem that for these cases openings would need to be created by the Government, as generally speaking private employers cannot provide these men with suitable occupations. General. —Experience so far would suggest that repatriation of New Zealand's soldiers is proceeding on sound lines and with a minimum of delay to the men concerned. I must admit that I am agreeably surprised at the results that have already been achieved, and it seem to me that, the present machinery being what it is, the successful outcome of the scheme is practically assured. 1 consider the assistance provided to be liberal and sound, and that the men are accepting it in this spirit, and after all I feel sure their commendation is the thing most desired by the Department.' The local Board, composed as it is of leading business men and representatives of the Returned Soldiers' Association, has been of very great assistance to me in my work, and I should like to place on record my high appreciation of the zeal and energy displayed by the members concerned in dealing with the problems of repatriation. In conclusion I would add that in my official capacity I have received every consideration and assistance from you arid the Ministerial Board, and this has in no small measure contributed to whatever small success I may claim for repatriation in Canterbury. T. M. Chabtees, District Repatriation Officer, Christchurch. PROGRESS REPORT Ob' DISTRICT REPATRIATION OFFICER, DUNEDIN, AS AT 20th AUGUST, 1919. Employment. —Since the inception of this Department it is satisfactory to note that there has not been any noticeable unemployment in the Otago District. Generally speaking there is a great demand for skilled labour, and a craftsman has little or no difficulty in obtaining employment. It is found that the unskilled labourer is the one who avails himself of the services of the Department, and to date employment has been found for approximately 1,100 applicants. As the present is the worst period of the year in finding employment, the position as a whole can be considered as very satisfactory. The railway restrictions that now exist are, however, adversely affecting the-position, and unless these restrictions are shortly removed we fear that there will be wholesale unemplo3'inent, as trade and industry are rapidly becoming stagnated. Providing the railways within the next few weeks resume their normal running, we are of opinion that repatriation will be affected without any great unemployment as far as Otago and Southland are concerned. Sustenance. —The position as indicated in the report on employment is reflected in the applications for sustenance, and we arc pleased to be able to report that not more than £30 has been expended in Dunedin under this head, the last payment being made during May. Providing the satisfactory state of affairs as at present existing continue, we do not anticipate any great expenditure under this head. Business Loans. —Advantage has been taken of the loans for businesses by approximately 150 applicants throughout Otago, almost every trade being embraced. The most numerous of these are from discharged soldiers who desire a loan to re-establish themselves in the carrying business, while a large number are making applications for motor transport or taxi-cars. Applications of this nature are discouraged unless the applicant is putting in a good proportion of the capital himself or can obtain a satisfactory guarantee. Taken throughout this feature of repatriation is

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much appreciated, and is the means of settling a good number of discharged soldiers who have experience and desire to launch out "ou their own." It is satisfactory to note that repayments are being met on due date, and reports indicate that in most cases the businesses are in a flourishing condition, and with careful handling we are of opinion that the results obtained will justify any small losses that may be entailed. Furniture Loans. —Numerous applications are received from discharged soldiers who are about to be married and desire to set up house and are in need of assistance, from applicants who sold up their homes to go into camp, also from those who were married overseas. The whole question of the purchase of furniture has been put on a satisfactory basis, and applicants are being granted very favourable terms by the trade. On the staff of the Department we have an officer who acts as advisor and valuer, and his services are much appreciated by those who require them, and is the means of ensuring that the money is wisely spent and is used for the purpose for which it was obtained. Repayments are being promptly made, and, although we fear that there will be several bad debts, yet, as in business loans, the results obtained will justify any loss that may result. Educational. —Owing to Dunedin being a University centre, a great number of applications have been received from students who have had their studies interrupted, and in no case has a student been held up for want of funds. In the meantime assistance is only being granted to the end of the present year, when each case will be carefully scrutinized in conjunction with the Dean of the various faculties, with a view to ascertaining whether further assistance is justified. We find that quite a number of young men are returning from the front with £200 or £300 capital at their command, and as they had no settled aim in life when they enlisted they now desire to study for a, profession. In cases of this nature, where the Board consider that the man has special aptitude, the Board are of opinion that the applicant should first prove his ability before obtaining assistance. We have therefore suggested to one or two applicants that they should first of all expend their own money in getting as far as they possibly can with, their course, and that when their funds are exhausted, providing their progress warrants it, this Board will be quite prepared to see them through the balance of their time. Classes have lately been established at the Technical College in various trades, and these are being well attended, and it is hoped to turn out skilled craftsmen in some trades within six months to a year. The facilities given to the students have been very much appreciated, anil up to date about 200 have been helped in this direction. Subsidized Wages. —The provision for teaching disabled soldiers new trades has been a great boon to the discharged soldier and one that has considerably helped repatriation. With one or two exceptions the whole of the disabled men who have been subsidized are making good, and the time has now arrived when their training is being completed. The results obtained are very satisfactory, and it only remains with the man himself to make success and be able to earn the award rate of wages existing in any particular trade. These workers are interviewed by an officer of this Department at regular intervals, and we do our best to encourage them to take full advantage of their opportunity. Apprentices. —Assistance has been given to a large number of apprentices who have had their indentures interrupted, and we are pleased to be able to report that the majority of employers are putting returned apprentices on a better footing than their legal obligations entitled them to. The Otago Board has made a practice of considering the conditions existing in each trade, and the satisfactory state of affairs regarding apprentices is entirely due to the efforts of the Board in this direction. Tools of Trade, Transportation, Ac. —The applications for assistance under this heading are not very numerous. It is found that in most trades £10 will cover the tools necessary, and consequently most of the discharged soldiers have been able to get restarted on their own initiative. Those assisted, however, are making their repayments on the due dates. General. —From inquiries made we find that the work of repatriation is proceeding smoothly in this district. The secretary of the Returned Soldiers' Association states that very few complaints have been made, and the relations between this Department and the Returned Soldiers' Association are most cordial. Both the Board and the staff of the office endeavour to assist the discharged soldier in every possible way to his best advantage, and from the experience obtained we do not know of any improvements that could lie made in the benefits as provided for in the Act. The only difficulty we experience is the fact that there is not enough co-operation between the Lands Department and this Department, and we are of opinion that repatriation would be effected in a better manner if all applications for assistance, either by way of land, house property or of any other nature, were dealt with by this Department, 11. D. Tknnknt, District Repatriation Officer, Dunedin.

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