“C-2” FIRST DIVISION MEN

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9759, 7 September 1917, Page 3

“C-2” FIRST DIVISION MEN

To the Editor “N.Z. Times.” Sir, —It has often, been said that for ways that aro dark and tricks that are vain tho old heathen Chinee took the biscuit, but tho Governmental authorities in this delightful country deserve the Iron Cross (first class), to say the least, in their latest proposal to examine for about the two thousandth time tho poor devils of “C-3” (home service) men. Tens of thousands of men enlisted during the days of the voluntary sys* tern, before conscription had raised its head —before it was ever thought of. Then when comp ulsion was introduced these rejects were foolishly put in the ballot-box, along with their cold-footed brother who had not enlisted, and on being called up by the fatal marble had the honour of submitting to the inspection of the doctor for the second time—this occasion, if you please, it was a Medical Board, so designated. Hen who "might be made fit for active service after further training” were classed by this Medical Board under the mysterious heading "C-l.” The "others” of the "C" class were marked "C-3.' Therefore. I repeat, if a man had, in tho opinion of this Medical Board, who I presume are competent men, the slightest chance of being "made” fit for service in France, he was classified as "C-l.”

Now, alter the press and public of this country most emphatically turned down the 18 and 19 year old boy-soldier proposal, the Government, thwarted in their attempt to get the hoys into camp ifnd thus keep the Second Division from being called up for a time, are turning on the poor unfits, and are going to harass them! Of course, they say it was "always” proposed (note the apologetic "always”) to re-examine, etc., etc., etc., hut everyone wants to know why, if there was a possible chance of a man being fit, he was not at the start out in this "C-l” class and not tho "C-2 section ? It costs much money to carry out this re-examination, and is merely a lot of humbug, to use Parliamentary language. The Government must apparently (although they will deny it) Be going to lower the standard of fitness, as they did before, when it proved, a frightful failure. If these Medical Board examiners have any competence, why is their decision not final? Besides, the men who were called up and . thus made "C-2” must have some consideration, and tho Government are going too far in this totally unfair business. Do they now doubt the judgment of tho Medical Boards? X assume tho boards are competent men. The men of this country—tho First Division men—must have some consideration, Mr Editor, and it is high time the "C-2” men had a league of their own and woke from their apathy. Doctors can bo spared for this re-examina-tion, which could and should have heen done without, if, as above-stated, the matter had been handled properly at the start; but doctors can not be spared for the Second Division’s pre-ballot exams;!!--I am, etc., ■WHERE ARE WE?