6

H.—3o.

Number of Men who can be reabsorbed or employed, in Government Departments. Including reabsorption of employees at present absent at the war, the Railway Department estimates it will be able to employ 6,280 men, Lands and Survey Department a little over 3,000 men, and the Public Works Department betweenj|s,ooo and 6,000 men—making a total of between 14,000 and 15,000 men. Conclusion. For some time to come repatriation will, be the greatest problem in our national, life, requiring the closest co-ordination of the different Departments dealing with the subject, and this at the present moment is receiving the special attention of the Government. The people also of the Dominion have a duty to perform, and the Government looks for the loyal co-operation and assistance of employers in industry and commerce in the reabsorption into civil life of our soldiers when they return covered with glory from the hardships and perils of the battlefield. The appendices annexed hereto give detailed information regarding various matters dealt with in this memorandum, and in Appendix XII is given a statement of the expenditure of the Department up to the 30th September, 1918. D. H. Guthrie, Acting Minister in Charge, Discharged Soldiers' Information Department.

APPENDICES. APPENDIX I. Card given to Soldiers on Arrival of Transport. N.Z. Discharged Soldiers' Information Department. The Government has established the above Department with the object of assisting discharged soldiers to secure suitable employment. As soon as the Defence, Department advises that a returned soldier is about to be discharged an officer of the Information Department will call upon the soldier to inquire into his condition, and ascertain whether he requires the, Department's assistance. It will save time and trouble in arranging this if soldiers will advise the Department as early as possible of any change of address. Communications from or on behalf of soldiers should, be addressed to The Officer in Charge, Discharged Soldiers' Information Department, Aitken Street, Wellington, and the .REGIMENTAL numher should always be given as well as the soldier's name.

APPENDIX II. History Card (Front).

Name, : Occupation : Name and address of previous employer : Reg. No. : Rank : i Next-of-kin : Married or single,: Children : Date of return : Ship : Cause of return : Address : Leave granted, &c. : Date of discharge : Rank_: Particulars of pension (if any) : Rep. Form sent: ,ep. Form sent: Rep. form received :