MEDICAL RE-EXAMINATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 199, 24 July 1941, Page 7

MEDICAL RE-EXAMINATION.

WELLINGTON, July 24. Tn the House of Representatives, last night, Mr J. B. Cotterill (Lab., Wanganui) suggested that, before the married men were called on for service, the medical position of all men, married or single, who had volunteered, should be re-examined to see if any of them were capable of service overseas. Mr Broadfoot (Nat., Waitomo) : What about fit men over 45? Air Cotterill said he did not think it would be wise to include men in that group, but he knew of other men who were anxious to go overseas and were willing to sacrifice lucrative positions to do so. He thought their position should he re-examined before married men were called.

Mr Cotterill also dealt with repatriation, which, he said, was a complex problem. Men who had been living the life of a soldier for several years, or even for several months, would find it hard to settle down again in civil life. After their deeds in Greece and Crete they were worthy of everything that could possibly he done for them. The provision of housing for returned soldiers should also be considered, said Mr Cotterill. Many men had married just before going overseas; others would want to marry as soon as they got back. Their first demand would be for a house to live in. He thought they should have first call on the available houses, even though the civil population had to wait. He felt sure that the people would agree to this.