H—lB

2. The Customs Department has during the year granted approximately 310 import licenses to ex-servicemen recommended by the Department. These have, in the main, been in respect of soft-goods, crockery, glassware, hardware, sporting goods, and jewellery. 3. Before according its support to any application for an import license the Department requires to be satisfied that the ex-serviceman applicant can comply with one of the following conditions : (a) That he is resuming his pre-service occupation as an importer ; or (b) That, being a retailer or a manufacturer, he is unable to obtain supplies necessary for his business by means other than importation ; or (c) That, after long and meritorious service with the Armed Forces, and having had adequate experience in the type of business involved, he wishes to commence business on his own account, either independently or in partnership ; or ((/) That, having an adequate commercial background and because war disabilities preclude the resumption of his pre-service occupation, he is desirous of entering a field where import licenses are necessary and he has made satisfactory arrangements for such guidance or training as may be required to ensure his successful re-establishment. Only in very special circumstances will applications from men unable to satisfy these conditions be supported. 4. The Food and Rationing Controller has dealt with a large number of applications from ex-servicemen for food and rationed supplies necessary for their businesses, and to the end of March, 1946, 762 ex-servicemen had received assistance by way of extra quotas. 5. A large number of applications for tires have been made to the Tire and Rubber Controller, and in all cases where the vehicle is owned by an ex-serviceman and where its mobility is essential to his livelihood tire permits have been granted. SECTION VII.—EMPLOYMENT 1. In last year's report mention was made of the arrangements concluded with the National Service Department whereby that organization would act as the agent of the Rehabilitation Board for the placement in employment of all industrially fit exservicemen requiring assistance in this direction. 2. These arrangements have proved to be very efficacious, and the employment situation as it affects ex-servicemen may be regarded as most satisfactory. 3. At 31st March, 1946, the total of ex-servicemen enrolled for employment was 122, of whom 56 were fully fit for employment and 66 were only partially fit. When it is remembered that these figures are taken as at a given date and many of those listed would normally be placed within a few days thereof, the total in relation to a total, demobilization figure of 151,400 must be regarded with satisfaction. SECTION VIII.—TRADE TRAINING (i) General 1. The Rehabilitation Board's Trade Training Scheme was designed to fill a twofold purpose —firstly, with a view to assisting eligible ex-servicemen to enter that occupation which, consistent with future prospects, is personally most suited to their needs and to obtain therein the soundest training available ; and, secondly, to ensure that as far as possible ex-servicemen are trained in accordance with the likely national requirements of the Dominion for skilled workers in its industrial and commercial life. It has always been expected, of course, that the majority of servicemen would return to their previous employment or would find employment for themselves, possibly with the assistance of the State. This has undoubtedly proved to be the case. The first

8