H.—3o

7

Conclusion. In thus outlining in general terms the plans which have been formulated for dealing with a great and unprecedented task, I wish to emphasize with all the strength at my command that the emergency involves a duty which the whole community individually and collectively must make its own. Efforts by the governing bodies alone, whether general or local, cannot hope to grapple with the difficulty; the whole body of the people must recognize that each and'every one's duty and interest lie in the same direction. When peace is declared and our men return to their homes it is essential that every one should realize that the speedy recovery of the country from the sacrifices it has made is in reality dependent on every one setting about his own individual duties with all the energy and ability that he is capable of. I may perhaps be allowed to address a final word to the soldiers themselves. As good men and true they have not hesitated to make sacrifices at their country's call; they have upheld her honour by courage in the field, whilst their uniform good conduct in all countries they have passed through has caused the name of New Zealand to be respected wherever her sons have been. I ask them now not to be too exigent as to the material rewards they expect to receive on their return. While the State will help to the utmost of its ability, it is impossible to supply every one with a Government billet—that way lie disappointment and disaster. Those who have returned in health and strength will best complete their service to their country by resuming as quietly and quickly as possible the duties they have temporarily laid down, and displaying in civil life the same qualities of courage, perseverance, and devotion to duty which have won them such a great reputation on the field of battle. In concluding I wish to express my warm thanks to Mr. W. B. Hudson, Deputy Commissioner of the Government Life Insurance Department, who, as his share of the war work of New Zealand, has, without reward of any kind, day in and day out laboured to make the Discharged Soldiers' Information Department an efficient factor in helping the soldier back to some suitable and useful place in the life of the community. Any little success which the Department lias had in its philanthropic mission is mainly attributable to his sympathy and to the wisdom which he has exhibited in helping to guide its affairs. The appendices annexed to this paper supply detailed information regarding various matters dealt with in the body of the memorandum, and I have added in Appendix VIII a statement of the expenditure of the Department for the period ended 31st March, 1916, and the year ended 31st March, 1917. A. L. Herdman, Minister in Charge of Discharged Soldiers' Information Department.