THE CALL TO SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17091, 24 August 1917, Page 4

THE CALL TO SERVICE

CASE OF HARDSHIP.

CONSIDERATION PROMISED.

(Feom Our Own Correspondent.)

tj ji • . WELLINGTON, August 23. Hardship is alleged to have been suffered by luany moil called up in the ballot and medically classed as fit for active service, wno, alter disposing \o£ their business— oiten at a heavy loss—have been re-ex-amined ana classed as lit for home service only. A case of this kind, which has been aiousing considerable interest in Dunedin, js that of Harold: Day, 9 Ross street, RosS.rVT. the Otago Soldiers' and Dependents Welfare Committee has taken

ihes matter wis referred to in the House ol Representatives by Mr- Walker this afternoon. A statement by Day, which Mr Walker read showed that ho was called up by ballot at the end of March and examined by tho Medical Board at Kensingi° 7 s i? 5 when he was passed as fit class A. He informed; the MedicaJ Board m answer to questions, that h« sultered from chronic asthma, which affected his breathing, and that ho had been so affected for as long as ho could remember, and ho also informed the doctors that ho suffered from rheumatism in various forms. At the time of his calling up he was tho proprietor of an art shop in street - tllon carrying stock worth ±>700. 110 appealed to the Military Servioe Board to enable him to sell his business aa a going concern, and was given till tho end of June. Being unable to dispose of - business in that time, he arnlied for a medical re-examination, but the Military Service Board informed him that it could nob grunt that, and( that he would be reexamined in camp. Ho had to sell off! by auction, with the result that his property realised less than £200. out of which ho had to pay some outstanding accounts. On July 13 he was called tip for further medical re-examination, when he was practically in the some physical condition as ho had been on tho previous occasion. Ho waa examined by three doctors this time, and was held over for further orders, and classed as C2. His mother, widowed sister, and niece were dependent upon him. He had lost his stock. • and had expended the balance of the money received from tho sale on household expenses for himself and dependents. Now he was left without money, employment, or prospects, and hia position was one of grave difficulty and distress. Mr Walker stated that in view of tho decision of the Defence Department some time ago that the greatest care would be exercised in the medical examination of recruits, the case ho had brought before the House was rather peculiar. Sir James Allen said ho knew all about the case. This was a problem which the Government would have to meet in some way or other. When Day was being medically examined he said he was suffering from chronic asthma, but tho Medical Board could find no trace of it. Who was right or wrong, he couldi not say. Or Thacker: It sometimes disappears. Ou' James Allen stated that subsequently the man was examined by another board, and was turned down. With regard to these medical examinations, he knew that mistakes were occurring all over the place, but there were difficulties, and how they were to be overcome he did not know. A Member: The Government should pay | for these mistakes.

Sir James Allen stated that in order to make the examinations uniform directions had been given some time ago that medical officers should take a'turn in camp, and this had had a certain amount Qf good effect, but there were very many doubtful cases, and in many cases where doubt existed the man was sent into camp in order that he might become fit. In many cases the men had become fit, but in others they had to be turned down. Day vras claiming compensation because he .had Eold his business at a loss, and Hie Government would havo to consider the claim, but. ho pointed out that if compensation were paid, the case of every man in like circumstances would have to be considered. The matter went further than that, because if Day had gone to tho front he would have lost his business. Air Isitt: He has had to make a useless sacrifice for the blunder of an official. Sir James Allen: That is a question. Is it the blunder of an official?