THE ARMY MEDICAL SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24783, 6 December 1941, Page 13

THE ARMY MEDICAL SERVICE

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—Our leaders, including, the Prime Minister, have said repeatedly that our boys at the front must be -looked after, that our boys must have the best, that our boys shall be our first consideration, arid that we must put all aside for our boys, no matter v what the cost, 'no matter what the inconvenience. The sentiment 's fine, but what are mere words? The army authorities said they required Dr McMillan, of Invercargill, to help attend our .boys overseas. The Minister of Health practically advised the Appeal Board that he would be better left here because some civilian patients might otherwise have to pay an extra 5s for medical attention. The present heads of the Government did little to assist us while we were overseas during the last war. Many of them had safe and comfortable, quarters at ■the Government's expense, and, although they now talk of sacrifice they seem quite prepared to see that a young, fit man who is qualified to heU> pur boys overseas is enabled to stav in a well-paid, safe position in New Zealand., In his place some older doctor, perhaps with large family sponsibilities. . perhaps an old soldier of the last campaign, will cheerfully go-overseas to use his gifts and tram* ing for: the benefit and well-being of " our boys" so often alluded to by the Prime Minister. -1 hope that some body of public men, perhaps our own Returned Services* Association, will, take this matter up and see what public opinion can do.—l am, etc.. ■,;-'■■, . Returned Soldier. Kurow, December 1.

[This letter has been abridged by the deletion of certain personal references. —Ed. O.D.T.] . ' , ,