THE FEATHERSTON SCANDAL.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 164, 11 July 1919, Page 7

THE FEATHERSTON SCANDAL.

A RESOLUTION. CALLING FOR EXHAUSTIVE INQUIRY. Several more or less scathing comments upon the state of things reported by Rev. J. Burgin at the Featherston Camp for tubercular soldiers were niade last night by City Councillors. Mr. H. X. Bagnall brought up the subject, saying the allegations that had been made were co terrible that the Council, as a body, should certainly take +.he matter up. He moved: the Auckland City Council draw the attention of Sir James Allen, Minister of Defence, to the disquieting reports regarding the treatment of soldiers at the Featherston ! Camp. It is to be hoped that every provision has J>y this time been made ior the comfort of the men. Further, . that the disclosures called for an instant and exhaustive inquiry by a competent tribunal." The Deputy Mayor liinted to Mr Bagnall that lie should change the ex- ' pression a, little in the last portion, but the feelings expressed by the following speakers made it clear that such was not the temper of the Council. Mr G. Knight seconded, saying he was never so appalled as when he read that report. "These boys went away to the front, and among the scenes there they laid the foundation for tubercle. And new the}' have come back they have been treated in a manner that dogs or cattle would never he."' Mr Mackiy said something similar. "Councillor Bagnall is quite right. The situation certainly calls Tor an exhaustive inquiry. I am appalled to think that these boys should go away with all the glory of battle and the cheers of the people ringing; in their ears, and when they come back they should be treated worse than dogs."' The resolution was supported by everybody present. COMPLAINTS WEIL FOUNDED. IMPROVEMENT REPORTED. (By Telesraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. ■ Referring to his visit io the Featherston Military Hospital. Mr. Cnrtayne, secretary of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, said an unsatisfactory state of affairs was disclosed and the matter was brought under the notice of the medical officer then in charge. On the following day a delegation interviewed Brigadier-General G. S. Richardson, who stated that orders had already been issued for the substitution of crockery for the somewhat damaged enamel ware which had been in use. General Richardson also promised to see that the other grievances were rectified. Mr. Curtayne added that the men's grievances were well founded, and he had kept closely in touch with the authorities since the matter was first represented io them, iconic of the matters in dispute had already been rectified, and active steps were being taken to remedy others. In view of the fact that such action was being taken." he continued, "and of the disturbing effect of such disclosures i on the hospital patients and their depen-i dents, my committee has decided against' undue publicity."' I SIR J. ALLEN'S STATEMENT. REPORTS BEIXU SECURED. (By Telegraph.—Fress Association.) ■WELLLNGTOX, Thursday. The disclosures regarding- the hospital accommodation given to tubercular and other patients at Featherston Camp were brought to the notice of the Minister for Defence to-day. Sir James Allen said the newspaper account of the conditions "was the first intimation he had that anything was amiss. He was having inquiries made, and until he had the reports he would have no more to say on the subject. ""But." he added, "we have been, anxious to get tubercular eases away from Featherston, but we have been very much disappointed with regard to the contract for the erection of the sanatorium at Waipukurau. We had expected it would have been ready ere this, and we regret very much there has been delay. We hope to have the place by next month, but of this we cannot he sure, owing to the great difficulty being experienced in securing carpenters for the work. One section of the Cashmere Hills Sanatorium, in the .South Island, has been completed, but an extension is to be made there."