"REJECTED UNFIT."

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15464, 17 December 1915, Page 10

"REJECTED UNFIT."

BEDUCES'G THE PERCENTAGE.

The public, when they scan tho lists giving tho results of the medical examination of recruits, aro inclined to think that tho majority of those retnrncdas "temporarily -unfit," or as "unfit," have been so returned because of dental troubles. This is not,quite the case. There arc numbers who are rejected, either temporarily, or absolutely, becauso they fail to comply with tho standards in respect to height, chest measurement, and other physical requirements. On this subject somo interesting information by Mr F. A. Hornibrook, who, between Juno Ist of this year and November 30th last, has had through his hands 21 men who offered their services for "the Expeditionary Force and were rejected as temporarily unfit. According to the requirements—tho phyportor his record of each case. Tho were put through a series of exercises designed to correct their defects. The result was that, after doing these exercises for different periods, according to tho individual requirements, these men were accented as fit and many are now either at the front or on their wav to it or in camp. Mr Hornibrook submitted to the reporter his record of each case. Theso tables showed that in some instances in a period as brief as two weeks chest measurements had been increased by as much as two inches, and weight and lung capacity had been proportionately increased. Mr Hornibrook estimated that from 8 to 10 per cent, of those rejected as temporarily unfit were rejected for physical causes, similar to those above referred to, which could bo remedied.

Ho added that the subject of remedying tho physical shortcomings .of thos« rejected at tho medical examinations had been brought under the notice of the local Defence authorities, and they and Colonel Chaffey, Officer Commanding the District, were sympathetic in the matter. The subject has been also considered bv iho Citizens' Defence Corps, -which has appointed a sub-committee to attend every Tuesday night at the medical examination of recruits at the King Edward Barracks in order to get into direct touch with those rejected from causes alluded to above, and, if possible, to induce thorn to undergo a course of physical training in order to make themselves fit.

(jood work on behalf of recruiting is also bring performed bv Mr C. Buckett, of this city. Mr Buckett, who is n physical culture instructor, some months ago offered to tAke as pupils, free of charge, men desirous of enlisting, whose ehest measurements were below the standard. So far Mr Buckett, has. to his knowledge, put throuch 01 men sent to him bv the O.IXC. who. as the result of his volutifiry instruction, were able to nass the medical examination after having: been previously rejected, and are now either at the front or in cair.p in the North Island, in active trainiuor. I„ jiddition. many of Mr Buckmt's private pupils have enlisted, and he informed a "Press" representative last night that as soon :•=* he beErin- to make an improvement in the physical appearance of his charge-:; they promptly enlist. Mr Buckett is prepared to rcko, free o; charge, ns many intending recruit-, a* tho Defence Area o{Jice and the C.D.C. like to sev.J along to him. H<\ however, comphiins that. o'i!\ the C.IJ.C. is tak- ''!- advanUee ol• his offer: so far tho TV fen >:o Office has sent a'on; no one. Mr B lekett is also prepared" to assis* n-turned soldiers, free ol charge. !>v .c/iving then: .1 coarse of massage treatment and different exercises.

Movers T. B. and Vincent Pike arc also iloinp pood service In- j/ivinp musia/fo treatment to returned soldiers, lrec of oharpe and Mr Vincent Pike is Mso h<;-\r>ir.z. free of charge, recruits for tho Expeditionary Force to attain the ehest expansion to enable them to be accepted for service.