HOSPITAL DISCIPLINE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 90, 10 January 1919, Page 5

HOSPITAL DISCIPLINE

FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS . IMPORTANT NEW REGULATIONS ..' Important regulations relating to discipline among returned soldiers undergoing i medical or curative treatment in New Zealand have been issued. They are framed under the Defence Act, 1909, and they define a "soidier of an Expeditionary Force" ''as any member of' tho Expeditionary Force- who is in receipt of military pay as such. . , The regulations include the following provisions:— ', No soldier of an Expeditionary Force,, while such soldier is undergoing medical or curative treatment as a patient in, or an outpatient of, any hospital, convalescent home, or other institution shall purchase or consume. any intoxicating, liquor, whether such purchase or consumption takes place within such, hospital,' convalescent home, or other institution, or elsewhere, without. the permission of the officer in charge-' or. in command. Any soldier of an; Expeditionary Force, while such soldier is-undergoing medical or curative treatment as a patient in, or an out-patient of, any hospital, convales. cent home, or other, institution shall be guilty, of an offence against these regulations, who— (a) 16 absent without leave: .(b) (Neglects to obey any general or garrison or.other orders: '.. . (c) Attends any political meeting in uniform: . . . . , (d) Accepts .remuneration, for civil employment before discharge: (e) Fails to wear, uniform until charged:(f) Appears improperly dressed in public: ''...'.: '■!■.'

'(g) Behaves in an unsoldierly, disorderly; or insubordinate manner:

- -(h) Fails to report venereal disease. A soldier i 6 to be deemed to be absent without leave if he fails to keep the Defence'authorities informed of his address, or.fails to report at tho expiration of a leavo certificate, or ; to present himself for examination or treatment as ordered.

'•■ The summary jurisdiction of commanding officers is extended so that they are empowered to impose fines not exceeding £2 in dealing-summarily With offences iinder these regulations, anoT such fines shall be deducted from the pay of the soldier, adjudged guilty of any such offence, in addition to any forfeiture of pay which may have been in arrear through ■the soldier's absence from duty. Nothing in i theas' regulations shall in any manner restrict or toko' away the liability of. a soldier under- the Army Act, or under any other, regulations under the Defence Act, .1909,-save that no soldier shall be punisbed twice fox the same offence.