H—lB

(v) Housing 1. With the general supply position affecting materials as it is, the housing problem still remains acute, but every endeavour is being made by the Building Organization of the Native Department to cope with the problem, which calls for sustained and vigorous action over a long period as materials become available. 2. To date, a total of 277 loan applications for the erection of new houses have been approved. SECTION XIV.—SUMMARY 1. Table 111 of the Appendix to this report affords a condensed summary of rehabilitation loan activity, showing yearly totals and related aggregates as at the close of each of the five years ended 31st March, 1947. 2. From this table and other figures quoted it will be noted that the year under review has been one of record activity,' substantial increases over all previous years' figures being recorded in practically all sections. 3. In its report for the year ended 31st March, 1946, the Board predicted a considerable expansion in rehabilitation activity in the year now under review, and this expectation was realized, as shown by the relative figures under consideration. 4. It is realized, however, that a task of considerable magnitude still awaits the attention of the Board before it can be said that all ex-servicemen have been permanently rehabilitated. Nevertheless, it is felt that a very substantial contribution to the total effort has been accomplished in the year ended 31sfr March, 1947. 5. Future progress toward the ultimate objective will require a continuation of the interest of all organizations and individuals in the problem of assisting the exserviceman to re-establi&h himself in civil life, and it is felt that this support can confidently be relied upon. SECTION XV.—APPRECIATION 1. It again gives pleasure to the Board to record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered voluntarily in the cause of rehabilitation by the many hundreds of public-spirited citizens who served on the National Rehabilitation Council, District Executive Committees, Local Rehabilitation Committees, Local Sub-committees, Trade Training Advisory Committees, Farming Committees, Education Committees (including Medical, Dental, and Engineer Advisory Committees), and Maori Tribal Executive Committees. The continued interest and valuable practical experience of these men and women affords to the Board, officers, of the Department, and ex-service personnel much invaluable assistance, and a considerable debt of gratitude is owed. 2. To the Disabled Servicemen's Re-establishment League and the Blinded Servicemen's Trust Board and the officers of these bodies the Rehabilitation Board extends its thanks for their active co-operation throughout the year in the interests of ex-servicemen who, by reason of war-caused disabilities, require special care. 3. To the agency organizations of the Rehabilitation Board in various fields (namely, the State Advances Corporation of New Zealand, the Lands and Survey Department, Native Department, and the National Employment Service) and to other Departments who closely co-operate in the work of rehabilitation (namely, the Social Security Department, Transport Department, Department of Industries and Commerce, His Majesty's Customs Department, Treasury, Labour Department, Forestry Department, Education Department), and to Honorary Education Advisers the Board again expresses its gratitude for helpful co-operation throughout the year reviewed. 4. Close liaison with the three arms of the Services has continued to result from the co-operation of all officers, therein, and acknowledgment of this helpful attitude is made. "

16