WAR AMPUTEES’ ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28936, 2 July 1959, Page 12

WAR AMPUTEES’ ASSOCIATION

Presentation To Mr J. L Will

Limbless veterans of two world wars gathered to honour one of New Zealand’s leading orthopaedic surgeons, Mr J. Leslie Will, at a presentation function by the Can-terbury-Westland branch of the War Amputees’ Association in Christchurch last evening. Mr Will has been responsible for the care of the association’s members since the First World War.

Making the presentation of a large silver salver and an honorary member’s badge to Mr Will the president of the branch (Mr G. W. Clyde) said it was an indication of the esteem with which the doctor was held by all members of the association.

In reply. Mr Will said it was a great pleasure and honour to have been of service to war amputees. The turning point in his career came about when he was attached to the New Zealand base hospital at Walton-on-Thames in 1919, he said. “The adjutant there had received a request from medical headquarters in London for doct" for orthopaedic training. They selected me without consultation, and made me feel something of a fool,” said Mr Will. “I was then 23 years’ old and Hd had only two years' training, but, from being accepted, orthopaedic surgery became my life’s work.”

"Jr Will <said he had made it an absolute rule in the treatment of amputees that there were three people involved—the patient, the limb fitter and the surgeon. The problem of a limb fitting surgeon went further than just putting on a limb; part of his function was to teach what was the i lost useful method and the Lest appartus necessary, he said. “It is quite important for those who care for you to have received the proper training,” said Mr Will.

Two considerations to be taken into account were comfortable fittings and progression, he said. The fitting of the leg was not very difficult, but when dealing with the upper extremity it presented many problems.

i particular he mentioned the usefulness of the human hand, which he described as “the marvel of nature.” Although much research had been done to improve and perfect it, it could never be approached, said Mr WTI.