The "C.M."League of Servicemen Makes Progress
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WE have always been a' little doubtful as to The attitude which might be adopted by other organizations connected with Servicemen, and the Government, towards "The ''C.M.' League of Servicemen."
A few days ago, however, we were afforded an opportunity of having a long chat with Mr. J. R. Griffin, general secretary of the British Legion. We gave. Mr. Griffin an outline of the scheme which we had devised to enrol Servicemen immediately, with a view to assisting them to find positions after demobilization, and he expressed great interest ; in fact, he cordially welcomed the scheme and said that he would give it full co-operation.
In a statement issued on behalf of the British Legion a few days after this meeting, it is also emphasized that the Legion deprecates any system by which a man could not go outside a particular organization in order to obtain work. • This attitude is, in our view, a very big step forward so far as our particular League is concerned, and it should do much to encourage the formation of Leagues of a similar type in other branches of industry and commerce. The view taken by the British Legion is that the more a trade or industry can do to help with its own rehabilitation in respect of the re-employment of those of its members Nvho joined the Forces, the smaller will be the burden imposed upon the Legion and the Government. It is important, however, that where the Government has in mind the institution of any form of training scheme for a particular industry, that industry should be consulted in the first place. We do. not want a position again to` arise such as that which occurred after the war of 1914-18, when m.an.y thousands of bricklayers were trained for work which the building industry could not provide. Such brilliant ideas from Government advisers who are not feeling the pulse of an industry are seldom likely to bring about satisfactory results.
The purpose of our League is solely to pu.t employers in touch with men of all ranks who are about to be demobilized and who have the necessary qualifications to meet the -particular requirements of our industry. It is intended, in a general way, to meet the conditions which will prevail after the conclusion of hostilities, or it may be found possible to do something in a small way before that time ; but whether it is to be a success or not will -depend upon both those who join and the 'employers who are willing to co-oRerate.
At present, all that is necessary for the Serviceman to do is to write to " Service Index," care of the Editor, giving full name, private address, age, experience and qualifications in brief, stating also whether or not he has had previous employment in the motor industry, and the position for which he considers himself to be best suited.