DR. THACKER'S CHARGES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 10, 11 January 1918, Page 6

DR. THACKER'S CHARGES.

COURT OF INVESTIGATION. "PLAYING TO THE GALLERY." (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH,. Thursday. The Court. of Inquiry which -was convened to investigate the charges made by Dr. Thacker, M.P., and others in reepect to the conduct of members of Military Medical Boards, which have done duty in the Canterbury military district, continued its sittings to-day.

M. J. Gresson, president of the Second Division League, applied for leave to produce evidence from Second Division reservists dissatisfied -with their medical j classification, but the Court declined the request,- holding that thie matter did not come within the scope of the inquiry. I Captain E. P; Pridham, of Wanganui, desired to tender evidence regarding the I conduct of the Wellington and Otago 'Medical Boards, but the Board held it had no . jurisdiction. -

j William A. P. Mills, Christchurch, complained that he had not been properly examined by the C 2 SpeciaT Medical Board. He held that he had not been properly classified, and that the Board had not taken into consideration that he ■suffered from rheumatism. , He had 'been {classed CI.

Lieut.-Colonel Dunn and Major- G. R. Blackett, N.Z.M.C., said that the examination of Mills was thorough, and his rheumatism had been taken into account.

Robert William Ellis, wlioee complaint was similar to the last, said that he Jiad complained to the assistant director of medical services, and was advised to place his caee before the officer commanding the district. The Court declined to near the grievance of G. L. Ostler, who alleged negli: gence on the part of the Medical Board in the case of a reservist. The complaints of Privates E. S. Jones and 8.. Peters were also ruled out, as, being complaints of wrongful classification, they were outside the order of refrrenee.

A. M. Poison said his complaint was against the director of medicnl ■servieoe, and that officer's assistant. The President ruled it out as not within'the scope of the inquiry.

The ceeence of Hem,' Emanuel's complaint was that Tie had not been thoroughly and properly examined, and fr-at the medical exueniners had not ta\cn enough trouble over hie case.

Dr. Foster, called by complainant, said he examined Emanuel, who was suffering from a chronic disease. Captain Lceter, X.Z.M.C, said that the complainant was not full}- examined, as he took Dr. Foster's certificate as sufficient proof of the man's particular condition.

In the case of Bugler Burrows, called by Dr. Thacker, Major Gresson, representing the Defence Department, contended that it concerned the assistant director of medical services, and that official did not come under the heading of medical boards or medical officers. The Court decided to take it.

Major Gres&on protested against having to go on with the c.isc. in view of the short notice, and asked for an adjournment till Saturday at least. This case was the most serious of all so far.

Dr. Thacker said he was agreeable to an adjournment if he could get a "witnees from Awapuni. He wa,ntcd the caae given every publicity, ae' he intended to aek the Prime Minister, and Sir Joseph jW'ard to grant a Royal Commission into ithe whole question, of military medical conduct. .

Lieut.-Colonel McGibson, assistant director of medical cervices, rose and protested against Dr. Thacker being allowed to "play to the gallery" in that manner. 'Thie man." he said, "has reflected on my conduct in Parliament tinder the cloak of privilege, and has also made statements against mc in the. Court. T Intend to protect mysnlf, and I shall seek my remedy in the Supreme Court if necessary."

The Court adjourned till Saturday.