THE LORDS AND COLONIAL INVALIDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 21, 25 January 1901, Page 2

THE LORDS AND COLONIAL INVALIDS.

The matter of the treatment of invalided colonials was brought before the House of Lorus once more on Friday evening' by Lord Burg-hclere,

who desired to "know what official, medical inspections, if any. of the wounded arid invalided colonial troops returning to Australia in Hie Ttoyal Mail steamers, Orient Line, took place before their embarkation; and what medical supervision was provided for them during- the voyag-e by the War Office.

Lord Raglan said thai when colonial convalescents could be sent home direct that was done, but it was not always possible, and some came to Kagland, and a depot for them was formed at Shorncliife. The greater part of the men arrived in England in a slate of advanced convalescence. Furioug-h was granted on application up U. three months, Ueyond that time a medical certificate was required. Many of these men relumed lo bhorncliffe beCo/e bung finally sent oir board ship, and a medical examination was carefully conducted, and no man was allowed to re!urn lo his he me who was not At lo do so. In some eases men who had been at other convalescent homes in the country went from them direct to the port of embarkation. Ths iwrangemenis were made to save the men trouble, acd in a few cases there wuk no medical examination. He regretted it and arrangements would be made to remedy the mistake. As to the 'accommodation provided on board ship, there were three kinds of third-class passengers, aud these men were provided lor in the superior third-class, only two men in ;i cabin, and their dietary whs full and varied. la future every possible care would be. exercised in the embarkation and treatment of wounded and invalided colonial troops. The War Office and the Government were only anxious that the colonial troops should receive every comfort and consideration.

Earl Carrington said that in the cases he had quoted previously of hardships inflicted on colonial volunteers he had dealt with actual facts, and scrupulously refrained from exaggeration. He expressed his sutisfaction at the declaration made by Lord Jiuglan. He understood that in future all wounded and invalid colonial soldiers would be enabled to travel second class.

Lord Raglan said arrangements had been made to afford the men all the comforts of second class, and their Lordships gave a hearty "Hear! Hear!"