MEN ENTERING CAMP

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 50, 22 November 1941, Page 12

MEN ENTERING CAMP

Result Of X-Ray Should j First Be Known

R.S.A.’S OPINION

Because of the number of men who have entered camp, and subsequent to X-ray examination, have been discharged as unfit, the Returned Services Association considers that no recruit should enter camp till the result of his X-ray examination is'known. Representations on these lines were made recently by the association to the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, who, replying, pointed out that instructions provide “that X-ray examination shall be made before entering camp unless this would make recruits absent from home for more than a day or would cause undue expense or inconvenience.”

The association /is of the opinion that the expense ■’ and inconvenience brought about by a recruit being away from home for more than a day is infinitesimal compared with that occasioned as a result of such a recruit entering camp, disposing of his tools, posibly his business and personal effects, only to find that X-ray examination results in his discharge from the forces. In addition, in case of breakdown in health, serious questions of war pension and treatment arise. Further representations in this connexion are to be made accordingly.