"TURNED DOWN”

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9836, 6 December 1917, Page 4

"TURNED DOWN”

THE CASE OF CAPTAIN SAX DEFENCE DEPARTMENT REFUSE TO EMPLOY HIM. While the cry by the Defence authorities for more men is so persistent the case of Captain Bax, of Napier, as placed) before a “New Zealand Times” reporter yesterday, appears 'a strange one. Captain Bax has served in tbo New Zealand Forces for over twenty years, has seen active service, has been recently passed as fit, and) in face of this has had his repeared requests to the Defence Department for military employment turned down. Tho only reason for refusal given by the Defence people is that Captain Bax is now on tho retired list.

“I can’t understand it,” said Captain Bax yesterday. “I feel fit, I have been passed as fit, I am keen to bo in harness again, but they refuse me.” Captain Bax was accepted for service in the Expeditionary Force on November 19th, 1915, and left Now Zealand on May 6th, 1916, as officer commanding the 12tli Mounted Reinforcements. He trained troope in Egypt until he caught a bad cold with his company in the field and was sent to* hospital on May 20th, 1917. After being in hospital for two weeks ho applied to ho discharged as •he wished to return to his company. Ho was informed that he was returning to New Zealand, but was not able to receive any information as to why ho was being returned, la spite of protests ho was returned to the Dominion, being told that if he was passed as fit by a Medical Board in New Zealand ho would return to Egypt with tho first reinforcements. On return to New* Zealand Captaan Bax did not require any medical treatment. Later he was passed as fit to return to duty. He reported to Headquarters and was told ho had been struck off tbe strength of tho Expeditionary Force, Captain Bax has since made repeated requests to Sir James Allen and Defence Department officials, but always has received the same lepjy.

Captain Bax is a champion athlete, and with his experience should bo competent to fill a high position in tho forces. He considers it a punishment not to be allowed to serve when fit tc do so.