HELP FOR DISABLED SOLDIERS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23798, 18 November 1942, Page 4

HELP FOR DISABLED SOLDIERS

RELIEF SOUGHT BY HOSPITAL BOARD “We think it is time that something was done to provide assistance for disabled soldiers,” said Mr H. J. Clark, chairman of the social service committee, at a meeting of the South Canterbury Hospital Board yesterday. Mr Clark was referring to the agitation fOr measures of financial relief for soldiers, in the period between their being given sick leave without pay and their resumption of civilian occupations. “The matter has been worrying us for some time,” continued Mr Clark. “We are not concerned whether relief is granted through social security, or whether something is done by the Army authorities. ♦We do not think the burden should be put on the board to provide financial assistance.” "At the moment, the financial responsibility of assisting soldiers is comjng back on the district. The responsibility should fall on the taxpayer,” said Mr C. B. Marshall. The secretary (Mr H. G. Naylor) referred to efforts being made by the Returned Services’ Association and the Tlmaru Patriotic Committee to secure an amelioration ot the present position, particularly in respect to returned soldiers from overseas. “We have been dealing mostly with soldiers from local camps,” said Mr Clark. “Anyway, it is a reflection on the administration,” commented the chairman (Mr E. Macdonald). On the recommendation of the social service committee, the board carried unanimously the following resolution;— “That the board point out to the Minister of Health that sick or disabled soldiers, who have been posted to the area pool, and who by reason of such infirmities are fit for discharge, are being seriously prejudiced in their present economic position by not being discharged; and further, recommend that the Hospital Board be relieved of the responsibility of helping such cases.”