EFFECT OF WAR WOUNDS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22551, 5 November 1938, Page 8

EFFECT OF WAR WOUNDS

POSITION OF RETURNED SOLDIERS MORE APPLICANTS FOR PENSIONS An increasing number of men who j had suffered a war injury or had impaired their health in war service were now breaking up and swelling the list of applicants for pensions for war disability, said Dr. F. F. A. Ulrich at a meeting of the executive of the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers' Association. Dr. Ulrich added that unfortunately at this late date when the men had enjoyed fair health in the intervening years it was becoming increasingly difficult in many instances to prove to the Pensions Board that the present conditions of these men were attributable to the effects of war service, but he had no doubt'in his mind that such was the case. Even with cloar-cut evidence, said Dr. Ulrich, it was difficult sometimes to convince the board of the position. A letter was received from headquarters dealing with the formation of a national military reserve. During the last few months, it was stated, many returned men throughout the Dominion had offered their services in the event of a national emergency arising, and to take advantage of these offers the association was co-operating with the military authorities in the formation of a reserve of men between the ages of 40. and 50 who had had active service experience. It was stated that by signing on as a member no obligation would be incurred, nor would any training be carried out until an emei-gency should arise, when the reservist, if called upon, would be required to take part in home defence only. The reserve, to which 1000 men were to be posted, was also open to former members of the regular forces who might ofTer their services.