WITHOUT A PENNY

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9096, 15 July 1915, Page 9

WITHOUT A PENNY

SOLDIER “DISCHARGED TO .STARVE.” ~

To a “Times” representative yesterday Trooper W. J. Withy described the treatment he has received from the Defence Department since his return ' invalided from the front. “I was invalided home from Egypt, said Trooper Withy, “owing to an accident sustained on duty—my Ihorse fell ion me and injured my leg; After spending some time • in hospital in Egypt, I went before the Medica> Board and was ordered to be returned to New Zealand. On account of the sand it was impossible for my leg to be cured, and they told me that after a short time in, New Zealand I would be able to be returned to the front, i arrived hsre on June sth last; by tne Wimmera, and was given fourteen days leave, which was afterwards extended by the Medical Board for sixteen day* Then Drs Purdy, EUiqtt and others examined me, and i waited about fifteen days for a verdict, only to be told lasi Tuesday that 1 was discharged as medically unfit. I was discharged to go an,, starve for all the Defence Department cares for the men who were hurt o>. duty. I have got a provisional discharge—that is no good to me. If 1 wanted to get work I should probably bo asked for my discharge, and won not be able to produce it the red tape of the military authorities, i. left New Zealand with the main body, and have never been charged with anv offence whatever. I know that a soldier that returned on the same boat as myself suffering from rheumatics has been posted fit for service and recommended for camp at once. I am fit and willing to be examined by any doctor in New Zealand, yet am discharged without a penny.”