CASE OF THE PARTIALLY FIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 206, 1 September 1933, Page 6

CASE OF THE PARTIALLY FIT.

(To tlie Editor.) In dealing with the relief of distress, "Mercy" and "Age Limit" have touched one very small corner of the question. In I our midst we have many sufferers from tuberculosis, diabetes and other diseases who will never bo sufficiently fit to resume their forImer occupations. Their recovery is retarded by the worry of how their loved ones are faring, as the allowance is insufficient to cover their needs. They have become broken in mind and in spirit at the loss of their homes and the treasures therein. Their only outlook in life is one of poverty and a place in the slums. Is it not right and just that these people should be given a chance to better their outlook? Many of these men are fit for light work, and, with the assistance of their wiv'es, could do a great deal to help themselves. All that is wanted is a little capital to start them off. There is another phase more distressing still. Many of these men on beenming fit for light work are refused employment because of the nature of the malady from which they have suffered, or that other employees refuse to work beside them. This I have learned from bitter experience; after two and a half years of tuberculosis I have been certified fit for light work. The doctors advise no heavy lifting, avoidance of damp and wet and any way of catching colds. Relief work offers ail these things, so that when I start, I will have to take things steady and avoid the showers. Passers-by will see this, and I will be termed "one of the loafers." I WAXTA JOB.