EX-SOLDIER CHARGED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20827, 4 July 1942, Page 2

EX-SOLDIER CHARGED

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE ARMY DISCHARGE POLICY CRITICISM IN COURT (P.A.) AUCKLAND, this day. A soldier who had returned from the present war was charged before Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., with attempting to commit suicide. Mr. Thwaites appeared for the accused, who pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector MacNamara said that on' his return : the accused was no doubt suffering from nerves. On the day the offence was committed, he had been drinking heavily and tried .to gas* himself after 1 'quarrelling with his girl'friend. Counsel said the accused went through terrible experience after his discharge from the army. He began work again' without any period of convalescence. Up to the arrival Of the last hospital ship the policy was to discharge men on pension or social security for 28 days i.fter arrival. " - ; ”That is not a good policy psychologically,” said the magistrate. “Being pushed out of the ■army has a bad effect on men who have been through the stress of an active campaign.” Counsel said the ’ policy now was for men. to be discharged after three months. The men tended to get the idea .the world was against them. 1 “For soldier’s to be suddenly told ‘finish’ after serving in campaigns is. in many cases, apt to react seriously on the man,” the magistrate said. The accused was convicted and discharged. ’ ■ ; '