WAR PENSIONS

Evening Post, Volume 91, Issue 91, 15 October 1923, Page 8

WAR PENSIONS

THE APPEAL BOARD

HOW IT IS BEING CONSTITUTED

Within a few days' time it is likely that the personnel of the War Pensions Appeal Board will be complete. Under the War Pensions Amendment Act, passed last session, it is provided that the board shall consist of three members, of whom two shall be registered medical practitioners. This does not mean, however, that the medical members will hold permanent appointments, and with the chairman, will travel all over the Dominion to hear cases in the various centres. As a matter of fact, the members of the board, including the chairman, will hold office only during the pleasure of the Minister. His Honour Mr. Justice Chapman has been appointed chairman of the board, and the other members to sit with him -will be appointed to represent each of the provincial districts of the Dominion. For instance, when the board sits in Auckland, two Auckland doctors will act as members, and when it sits m Wellington, two Wellington medical men will, with the chairman, comprise the personnel. This procedure will be followed in Canterbury and Utago. In each provincial district one ot the two medical' members will be a representative of the Returned Soldiers' Association, whose nominees have been approved as follow : Auckland, Dr W CM'Caw; Wellington, Dr. F. T. Bowl erbank; Canterbury, Dr. A. J. Orch%l °£ go .' Dr- *• Fergus. The Mmister of Defence (the Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes) stated to-day that the Government's medical nominee for each provincial district had been chosen, but until he had received notation that the four gentlemen concerned had accepted their appointments he would not disclose their names. Under the. procedure which the Government is following in setting up the board it will be possible to effect Economy m administration, as no inducement w,ll have to be offered to medical practitioners to give up practice for fulltime service with the board The Returned Soldiers' Association was anxious that the Government should constitute Southland a separate district for the hearing of appeals, but this pro-. ment. Should it be necessary, the board