GOVERNMENT’S PROVISION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 2 December 1940, Page 6

GOVERNMENT’S PROVISION

FOR SOLDIERS INVALIDED FROM OVERSEAS [United Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. A statement concerning the Government’s treatment of soldiers invalided from overseas was made to-c’ay by the Hon. F. Jones. Full provision has been made for the treatment and rehabilitation of men when they return, including medical boarding classification treatment where necessary, pay or pension while in hospital, provision of mufti clothinr allowance, travelling warrants, etc. Unless otherwise determined by the Adjutant General no soldier returned to New Zealand on account of physical unfitness due to wounds or sickness is to be discharged from the army until provision is made for him under one of the following headings: Granted war pension, replaced in former civilian occupation or suitable employment, granted monetary benefit by Social Security Department pending his return to civil occupation. Mr Jones said that + he Government would meet to the full its obligations to the men who suffered in service to the country, in accordance with the promises given when the different Echelons left New Zealand. Immediately after disembarkation, all soldiers invalided wi.' be medically boarded and classified firstly, those requiring inpatient treatment at hospital or convalescent home; secondly, those requiring out-patient treatment; thirdly, those convalescent and not requiring treatment. Those classified as in-patients and unfit to travel and those requiring special .treatment obtainable only at larger hospitals will be sent to hospital at the port of disembarkation. Those in the latter category will be transferred within forty-eight hours' to the hospital nearest their homes at which treatment will be available. In all other cases the soldier will as far as possible be sent to the hospital nearest his home. Out-patients and convalescents will usually be granted one week’s sick leave and dispatched to their homes. During this time they will be medically boarded again, if necessary at hospital and convalescent home. Treatment for inpatients and all treatment recommended for out-patients will be provided free by the State. Where required the best special institution treatment will be given and dental attention and artificial limbs provided as necessary. Full military pay and allotments will be continued while the soldiers are in hospital until they are placed on pension. Invaliding boards will review as necessary the option of soldic.j under treatment making recommendations for further treatment, sick leave, return to duty or discharge. When a soldier is recommended for discharge application forms will be completed at the Medical Borrd and forwarded to the Wa. Pensions Board or Social Security Department. Other provisions include three weeks’ privilege leave on full pay for soldiers passed fit for further duty, and those recommended for discharge; also a month’s free railway pass, grant of £7 10s to men dischargt d to provide themselves with civilian clothing, free travel warrants for men proceeding to their homes on disembarkation cr termination of hospital treatment, also free return railways tickets for the wife, parents or next-of-kin of the soldier in hospital who has been unable to return home.