A DISABLED SOLDIER’S COMPLAINT

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 222, 20 June 1928, Page 12

A DISABLED SOLDIER’S COMPLAINT

Sir, —Being a disabled soldier destined to wear an artificial limb I take this opportunity of voicing and protesting against the methods adopted by the Returned Soldiers’ Conference held at Wellington, compelling their incapacitated members to accept the use of the “Standard artificial limb.” Before taking such a step they would be well advised to acquaint themselves with.the troubles and trials we have suffered for the past nine long dreary years whilst experiments were made on the present contrivances.

We have now become accustomed to same, besides gaining a certain amount of efficiency, therefore it is not a wise plan to dispose of the limb we have placed our confidence in. To turn out a limb satisfactorily requires the facility of the most enterprising fitters —a fact I am thoroughly acquainted with. Therefore Ido not suggest that the makers or fitters are entirely to blame for defects. Just what one needs to be able to supply the necessary requirements to meet all demands is best left to the imagination of those concerned. For instance, take three kinds of amputations into consideration, which require when constructing, different methods and adjustments. Therefore the choice of selecting a limb for each particular case should be left entirely to the person who knows which is the most suitable and will render efficient service in the capacity for which it is required. I appeal to all who come under this category to amalgamate in order that we may be able to oppose such drastic measures being enforced. —I am, etc.. ■ J. S. HANNAH. Hastings, June 15.