ARTIFICIAL LIMBS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 89, 16 April 1927, Page 8

ARTIFICIAL LIMBS.

In your paper of 12th inst.. the Hon, J. C. Rollcston is credited with the statement that his Department's one object was to do the vejy best it. could for the limbless men. As lam «,' limbless man. 1 would like to help th/? Minister by giving a hints that may be re-echoed among my "fellow-limbics." In the first place. the suggestion of the Minister that his Department will supply special types c ,f Jj ni i, s j or special cases will be of the greatest benefit to the men. Every individual case with an artificial limb i« a special case, has special disabilities which must Ik- individually overcome. Artificial limbs cannot be bought and fitted like stock boots. Certain types of limbs are more suitable than others, in some cases, although. mechanically they may all be equally efficient. The psychical complex has al~o to be considered. Some men who have received satisfaction with one particular type of limb become "married" to it. and for no apparent reason will do better on that type than on others equally good. For these reasons the Minister will benefit a great number of men if he will allow them to choose the type of limb they want and let them have it constructed by the manufacturers that they have confidence in. The Department is evidently concentrating on a new standard limb in a central factory, in the interests of economy. But. granted ordinary intelligence, a man who has J.ccii wearing artificial limbs for from eight to twelve years is the ona and only jm-isoii that can tell which stvle of limb is best suited to his own case, and no just argument can be raised against that man having his choice of make or maker. Therefore it is up to the I>epartment to allow bint this choice. The Minister indicates that he would like dissatisfied men to approach th« Department with a view of having their complaints remedied. The complaint that I would like remedied is this: In the past I have not had the option of getting my limbs and repairs executed by the firm that I have every confidence in. nor am I allowed to choose the type of limb which (after twelve years' wearing of different limbs) I am thoroughly satisfied is tie Ifest for my case. I want the choice. Will the Minister give it to me if I supply proof of normal intelligence? I do not want to l.e bound to any firm by a Government contract. Let all firms hava an equal chance, so that they can stand or fall on the service and satisfaction given. EX-GUXXER.