HARD CASES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3172, 24 August 1917, Page 6

HARD CASES

MEN WHO ARE REJECTED SELLING OUT AT A LOSS There have beon many complaint* lately about the hardship suffered hymen called up for military service, passed: as fit, and later, after they had disposedi of their businesses, rejected as unfit. In* the House of Eopresentatives yesterday/ Mr. Walker spoke of a Dunedin reservist, by name Day, who had been passed! as fit, and later rejected. In the meantime he had sold his business at great: loss, and he asked for some consideration from the Government.

Sir James Allen said he knew all', about this case. This was a problem theGovernment would have to meet in some way or other. When Day was being examined he said he was suffering from chronic asthma, but the Medical Board could find no trace of such. Who waa right or wrong he could not say. Dr. Thacker: disappears*.

Sir James Allen stated that subsequently the man was examined by another board, and turned down. With: regard to these medical examinations, he. knew that mistakes were occurring all; over the place, but there were difficulties, and how they were to bo overcome' he did not know.

A member: The Government should pay for theso mistakes.

Sir James Allen stated that ia order to make the eliminations directions had: been given 6ome time ago that medioal'. officers Bhould take a turn in camp, and: this had had a certain amount of good, effect. But there were very many doubtful cases, and in many cases whe-re. doubt existed the man was tent into camp in order that he might bcome fit™ In many cases the men had become fitbut in others they had had to be turned', down. The man Day was claiming compensation because he had sold his business at a loss, and such claim the Government . would have to consider, and. was bound to consider, but he pointed out that if compensation were paid the case of every man in like circumstances would have to be considered. Further than that, the Government would havo to consider the caso of every man who had gone to the front. If this man had gone to the front he would havo made no claim. Ho made his claim >pnly after ho was rejected for service. Mr. Isitt: Because he has had to mf.&o a useless sacrifice for the blunder of a physician. Sir James Allen: That is the que!-'-tion. We don't know that it, is the> blunder of a physician. However, the. whole matter is under consideration at: present.