MILITARY MEDICAL BOARDS

Evening Star, Issue 16629, 11 January 1918, Page 1

MILITARY MEDICAL BOARDS

COURT OF INQUIRY. {Tm IK j?vi 4; .Assoctatton.J . CHRISTCHURCH, January 10. The Military Court of Inquiry set up to investigate allegations made by Dr Thacker, 1 M.P., with respect to the conduct of military medical examinations, resumed sitting to day at King Edward. Barracks. The Court consisted of Major A. E. Loach (president), Major E. C. Gibson (N.Z.M.C.), Captain W. Irving (N.Z.M.C.), Captain F. P. Osmond Smith (Ist Canterbury Regiment), and Captain F. H. Salter (Reserve of Officers). Major Greason appeared on behalf of the department. J. Gresson, president of the Second Division League, applied for leave to produce evidence from Second Division reservists who were dissatisfied with their medical classification, but the Court declined, holding that the matter did not come within the scope of the inquiry. Captain E. P. Pridham, of Wanganui, desired to tender evidence regarding the con duct of the Wellington and Otago Medioal Boards, but the Court held they had no jurisdiction. William Alfred Patrick Mills (Christchurch) complained that ho had not been properly examined by the C2 Special Examination Board. He held that he had not been properly classified, and the board had not taken into consideration that he suffered from rheumatism. He had been classed Cl. L'eutenant-colonel Gunn and Major G. R. Blackett, N.Z.M.C., said the examination of Milfs was thorough, and his rheumatism had been taken into account. Robert William Ellis, whose complaint was similar to the last one, added that he had complained to the Assistant Director of Medical Services. He was advised to place bis case before the officer commanding the district. The Court declined to bear the grievance of G. L. Ostler, who alleged negligence Ml the part of the Medical Board in the case of a reservist. The complaints of Privates B. S. Jones and B. Peters were also ruled out, as being complaints of wrongful classification. They wore outside the order of reference. A. M. Poison said his complaint was against the Director of Medical Services and that officer's assistant. The President ruled it but as not within the scope of the inquiry. The essence of Henry Emanuel’s complaint was that be bad not been thoroughly and properly examined, and that the medical examiners bad not taken enough trouble over his case. Dr Foster, called by the complainant, said he had examined Emanuel, who was suffering from chronic prostratitis. Captain Lester, N.Z.M.C., said that tho complainant was not fully examined, as he took Dr Foster’s certificate as sufficient proof of the man's particular condition. In tho case ot Bugler Burrows, called by D- Thacker, Major 'iresson, representing the Defence Department, contended that it concerned the As?Ltant Director of Medical Services, .and that that official did not corao under the heading of medical boards or medical officers. The Court decided to take the case. Major Gresson protested against having to go on, in view of tho short notice, and asked for an adjournment till Saturday at least. This case was tho most serious of all so far. Dr Thaoker said he was agreeable to an adjournment if he could get a witness from Awapuui. He wanted the case given every publicity, as ho intended to ask the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward to grant a Royal Commission into the whole question of military medical conduct. Lieutenant-colonel Mac Gibbon, Assistant Director of Medical Services, lose and pro- 1 tested against Dr Thacker being allowed te play to the gallery hr that manner. ‘‘"This man,” he eaid, ‘‘has reflected on my conduct in Parliament under the cloak of privilege, and has also made statements against me in this court. I intend to protect myself, and I shall seek my remedy in the Supreme Court if necessary. The Court adjourned till Saturday.