H—lB

(iii) Trade Training 1. Full advantage is being taken by Maori ex-servicemen able to do so of the opportunity afforded to learn worthwhile trades or occupations, and to date 143 men have completed training and are placed in industry. 2. Prior to 30th June, 1946, the statistics relating to Maori ex-servicemen undergoing training in the various trade classes were included in the Dominion totals for Maori and pakeha. A dissection was made at 30th June, 1946, and a comparison of the figures then produced with those as at 31st March, 1947, is as follows :

(iv) Farm Training and Settlement 1. In general, the training scheme has continued to prove successful under practical test, and farmers have co-operated in taking trainees under subsidized engagements. Difficulty, however, is still experienced in placing married ex-servicemen trainees for training due to lack of adequate accommodation on the properties of suitable farmers. 2. In the period under review 85 men undertook training, and of this number, 38 have now completed training and been regraded " A " and, meantime, placed in employment in the industry. 3. To date 96 Grade "A " men have been established on single-unit properties with rehabilitation assistance, and every endeavour is being made to acquire additional properties for men still awaiting settlement. 4. The need for a vigorous policy of land settlement is fully recognized, and every effort is being made to complete the development work on the properties already acquired exclusively for the settlement of Maori ex-servicemen. 5. To date 6,508 acres have been purchased, 3,563 acres in the Wairoa district, 906 acres between Te Awamutu and Matamata, and 2,039 acres in the Kotorua district, while at the moment negotiations for the acquisition of additional properties, in Rotorua and other districts, are under consideration. 6. With work well under way on the development of the Huramua property of 1,770 acres acquired in 1944 and at present used as a training farm it is hoped during the coming year to settle 6 " A " Grade Maori ex-servicemen, and a further number as soon as materials for the erection of houses and milking-sheds are available. 7. Under the facilities provided by section 72 of the Statutes Amendment Act, 1945, for the disposal of Maori land acquired for settlement of Maori ex-servicemen it is hoped for the future that more land will be offered by Maori owners for settlement of their ex-servicemen relatives.

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31st March, 1947. 30th June, 1946. Increase, Nine Months. Under Training. Completed Training or placed. Under Training. Completed Training or placed. Under Training. Completed Training or placed. " A " Class " B " Class " C " Class .. " D " Class " F " Class 255 23 5 33 127 3 1 11 1 147 18 3 28 71 2 7 108 5 2 5 56 1 1 4 1 Totals 316 143 196 80 120 63