MR DAY'S CASE

Evening Star, Issue 16514, 28 August 1917, Page 6

MR DAY'S CASE

AN INTERVIEW AND AN EXPLANATION. Following our article on this subject, one of our reporters to-day interviewed Mr Harold Day, and he gave tho following account of his case : The facts of my case having come to the knowledge of a number of leading citizens, including His Worship the Mayor, I was induced on their representations to go to the sub-committee of the Soldiers and Dependents' Welfare Committee, Mr Solomon, K.C., being in the chair. I told them that I was called by ballot either at the end of February or the beginning of March, and that, in accordance with the notice received by me, I attended for examination at Kensington two or three days after I was called up, and was passed as fit, classed A. During the examination I informed the Medical Board, in answer to questions, that I suffered from chronic" asthma, vtfiich affected my breathing very much indeed, and had been so affected as long as I could remember, and also that I suffered from rheumatics in various forms. Thoy said in reply that there were many others ; worse than" I in camp. I was passed. ! Tho examination lasted a very short time, I should say certainly not more than 10 miuutes. At the time of my calling up 1 was the proprietor of an art shop in i George street, Dunedin, carrying a stock which I valued at £7OO. 1 appealed to the Military Service Board for time _to enable me- to sell my business as a going concern. This appeal was heard at the end of March or in April, and _ I was given two months' extension of time. I appeared before the Military Service Board at the end of that extension and informed them that I had not been successful in my efforts to dispose of my business. I asked them for further time, and was given another month. I was sent for by the board at the end of this month's extension, and my appeal was dismissed, and I was to go with the July draft. Before this I went to the drillshed at Kensington and made inquiries from Major Moller personally if I could be re-examined. I explained to him that I was suffering very much from my chest. Ha said he was very sorry for me, but was afraid that no other examination could take place. When my appeal was dismissed I could do nothing but auction my stock, and I did so. It roalised barely £2OO. Shortly after the sale I received notice to attend at the drill-shed again for further examination. I understand it is the rule to examine every three months. I was examined and informed that I was taken out of the Al class, and that I could destroy my A papers—that they would be of no further use. I told the Soldier's' Committee that I asked the Military Service Board, for a medical re-examination, and that they told me they could not grant it. But when I said that I was referring to my inquiries of Major Moller, who said he was afraid it could not he done. I thought that was the Military Service Board, and spoke accordingly. Jf I have done ?n injustice, to the Appeal Board I am very sorry, for they treated me quite fairly. Mr Solomon assured me that he would make every effort to see that justice was done to mo, if possible. I would like to be allowed to say that I would not have approached the" Soldiers' Committee had not my circumstances rendered it absolutely necessary. I am very much obliged to the committee for what they have done on my behalf.