H—lB

co-operate to the fullest possible extent in the expeditious handling of the cases. In many cases, however, difficulty in reaching finality is experienced owing to involved land titles. 3. This is a real difficulty, as the Board's policy in respect of the settlement of Maori ex-servicemen on the land is that they should receive the same assistance and under the same general conditions as pakeha ex-servicemen. The Board, therefore, as a general policy, requires ex-servicemen to obtain a freehold title or, in the case of leasehold properties, security of tenure and compensation for all improvements on the land. This objective has been facilitated by the passing of section 72 of the Statutes AmendmentAct, 1945, and already at least one large area of Maori land in the Tirau district has been made available for the settlement of Maori ex-servicemen under this legislation, and negotiations in at least two other cases are at present proceeding. It is hoped that during the coming year the clarification of Maori land titles in a number of cases will enable the Board to proceed with the settlement of a larger number of Maori ex-servicemen on the land. 4. Training, especially of married ex-servicemen, is being handicapped by lack of adequate accommodation on the properties of suitable farmers. At present the number of men awaiting training far exceeds the number of suitable and approved farmer trainers offering. (v) Housing With the general supply position affecting materials as it is, the housing problem is still acute, and the increased demobilization of Maori service personnel has further accentuated the position. Every endeavour is being made by the building organization of the Native Department to cope with the problem, which will call for sustained and vigorous action over a long period as materials become more free. (vi) Addendum Since this report was compiled, figures relative to assistance granted to Maori ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen have been compiled as at 30th June, 1946. As these substantially reflect the position as at 31st March, 1946, they have been included by way of addendum in Table XX of the Appendix. SECTION XIV.—SUMMARY 1. Attached as Appendix IV is a graphical presentation of the progress made to the end of the year under review in the major fields of rehabilitation activity as reflected in expenditures authorized and cases dealt with in these fields for the four years of the Department's life. 2. The significant feature of this tabulation is the extent to which all forms of activity quoted have increased in the year under review by comparison with the relative totals for the three previous years, and consideration of this table and of the report as a whole, taking cognizance of the whole problem of rehabilitation and the numerous problems in connection therewith which have confronted the Board, will indicate that the year ended 31st March, 1946, may be regarded as a year of achievement. Nevertheless, the Board fully appreciates the magnitude of the task which lies before it. It is felt, however, that the formulation of policy to cover most aspects of the problem has been mainly completed, and, while staff difficulties are not yet entirely overcome, it is anticipated that during the coming year a large proportion of the work yet to be done will be accomplished. SECTION XV.—APPRECIATION 1. It is pleasing for the Board to again record its appreciation of the valuable contributions made in the field of rehabilitation by all personnel who voluntarily serve on the National Rehabilitation Council, District Executive Committees, Local Rehabilitation Committees, Local Sub-committees, Trade Training Committees, Farming

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