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H.—l9

be a hardware expert, to have a good knowledge of leather and, cane, a general knowledge of architecture, carpentry, tailoring, bootmnking, and engineering, a detailed acquaintance with ordnance methods, and at the same time to tie well versed in all educational subjects. Hospital patients were interviewed, it is true, but the staff was insufficient to deal with out-patients: and it is only recently, since all Vocation Officers have been provided with assistants and increased staff, that out-patients have received proper attention. Vocation Officers have now been instructed to specially interview out-patients, but- in order to carry this out more assistants must- be appointed... Suitable officers are difficult to obtain, and, after they have been appointed, require to be trained. The attitude of soldiers to the educational and vocational training scheme was at first suspicious, if not actually hostile. Some returned men unfortunately considered the Defence Department as I heir natural enemy, and, acting on the principle " Timeo Dauuos et dona ferenles," looked askance on all schemes designed for their advantage which did not involve some concession in ready money. All resented the idea of compulsory education, and most of them are hard to rouse from the inertness which characterizes hospital life. Many of them apparently took little interest in their future. Happily, flu- Vocation Officers are returned soldiers themselves, and were able to understand this mental attitude. There is now little opposition to the scheme, and soldiers are beginning to understand that the Vocation Officers are, anxious to help them in every way. Though come classes fail, others are immediately started, and. the, number of those receiving training is steadily increasing. The number of soldiers who themselves apply for training is increasing, and this is considered a hopeful feature. Stacks of Development. The educational and vocational training scheme passes through successive stages of development in different parts of each district. The stages may be described a.s- (I) The building stage; (2) the equipment stage, ; and (3) instruction stage. The present position is as follows :■- Auckland District. Except for the splint-shops at the Annexe and Rotorua, this district is well developed, and in the instruction stage. So far as the large hospitals are concerned, splint-shops are emerging from the equipment stage. Great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining equipment and belting, but it is understood that this has now been supplied and that work may be commenced at any time. Instructors have been engaged for some, time past. Wellington District. Trentham is fully equipped, but the splint-shop has been held up, as educational and vocational training-work has been delayed on account of urgent medical requirements. Instructors in other subjects are now holding classes, but the serious illness of two successive Principal Medical Officers (Colonels Mill and Wylie) has delayed the operation of the scheme. Featherston. It was not considered until recently that this hospital would require special instruction, as it was thought it would only be used temporarily pending the opening of the Sanatorium at Waipukurau. It is now probable that the hospital will be open at least till Christmas. A special visit will, be made to Featherston, and. arrangements carried out with regard to buildings, equipment, and instruction. (Note.—l visited this hospital on the 6th instant.) Waipukurau. ■ This hospital will not be ready for two months in- more. No action has been taken as to the farm, pending receipt, of instructions. Napier.- Buildings, equipment, and instructors have been provided ; but, hitherto the Medical Officer-in charge has not detailed men for vocational training, as in other hospitals. Wanganui.- A workshop has been erected and equipped by looal societies, and occupational work has been carried on by V.A.D.s. T will visit this hospital and complete arrangements. (Note. This has since been done.) Palmerston North. There are only ten soldiers in hospital at Palmerston North, but arrangements will be, made to provide occupational work. 'Miramar. A workshop lias been leased and equipped, and instruction is being given. Canterbury. Christehurch has been in the instruction stage for some, time past. Additions arc now being made to the buildings at the Chalmers Military Orthopnedic Hospital. Cashmere Military Sanatorium. This is not yet occupied by soldiers, but a, workroom has been built and will be equipped when required. Hammer. Instruction is being given, but the accommodation is insufficient, as the cinema and new Red Cross buildings have not been completed. A contract has been let for a wool-classing shed, but, owing to the difficulty of obtaining building-material at, Hanmer, the building has not been commenced. Timaru.- —A workshop has been built, and instruction is being given. A new room is being built, and will shortly be completed. Otago. — The Montecillo Convalescent Home has been in the instruction stage for some time past. The Dunedin Hospital workshops have just been completed and equipped, and the instruction stage is beginning. Invercargill. Workshop has been completed and equipped, and instruction is being given. Staff. The staff of the Educational and Vocational Training Branch now (Ist July) numbers seventyseven. It is likely to increase as the scheme is extended. Plans for the Future, (1.) Extension of instruction at all hospitals. (2.) The appointment of travelling District Instructors in farming. (3.) Special attention to be paid to out-patients. (4.) The, provision of farm buildings, equipment, and instructors for the farms at Waipukurau and Tauherenikau. (5.) The establishment of a poultry-farm at Cashmere Hills. (6.) The provision of instructors at Featherston, Wanganui, Palmerston North, and other hospitals not yet provided with instructors.