CRIPPLED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3079, 9 May 1917, Page 8

CRIPPLED SOLDIERS

THEIR PRESENT AND FUTURE, Captain Malcolm Hoss, New Zealand Official War Correspondent, in his last budget of notes goes far in furthering the interests of the Crippled Soldiers' (and Sailors) Art Onion Fund. The writer points out the absolute necessity for such institutions in the chief cities where the men can be taught tho manufacture of articles within their scope. This was all anticipated by the women of the Returned Soldiers' Hostel Committee when they decided to appeal to the public for a new hostel in the centre of Wellington, in which any sick or wounded soldier or' sailor may find accommodation at a reasonable rate until the war is over (and it may be stated here that no soldier or sailor is ever turned away if wanting a bed or a meal), and then to be used solely for crippled men who, having a small pension, may augment it by work only to be found in a citv.

The Government will no doubt, provide agricultural facilities for those strong enough to engage in such'pursuits. S»d the Ministers of Agriculture and Public Health are most" keen to sec such institutions flourishing. It was the hope of ilrs. T. H. Lowry and the Hostel Committee that they would have had sufficient funds to buy some acres adjacent to tho city, where a certain class of men could be engaged in growing produce, etc.. ! and receive every attention and kindness. Tinder a certain section of the Pensions Amendment Act, recognised institutions may receive a soldier's or snilor's pension for safe use and keening should he be not in a condition to take care of himself. This class of man is very much worse off than Hie cripplod man who is of steady habits. The care of tho weakling is going to lip. the provost of all_ our social problems when the war is over, and by assisting the present art union the nubile.. will be assisting the crippled soldiers.