T.B. CASES

Otago Witness, Issue 3525, 4 October 1921, Page 42

T.B. CASES

SERIOUS DISABILITIES. 33 ELLINGTON, September 26. A deputation representative of returned soldier i.B. cases throughout the dominion waited on the executive of the executive of tile New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to-day to ask the association’s assistance in endeavouring to secure the redress of certain grievances. Their three main requests were for a permanent minimum pension, for examination by the same specialist who had attended their case, and lor adequate means for effecting insurance. It is pointed out that the specialist who had originally studied the patients’ case, and knew the weak spots, was far better ab,e to judge of an improvement otherwise m the condition than any outside physician after a brief examination. It was suggested that free railway passes shomd be granted to T.B. men to' enable them to consu't the original physician in regard to insurance. Ihe deputation stated that no company nor State department would insure them. This left the dependents in a very unenviable position in the event of death. 'the secretary of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association (Colonel Pow) stated that the Government Life Insurance Commissioner had informed him that it would be unfair to other policy-holders in department to take over the insurance of T.B. men, who were recognised as uninsurable. All efforts had been made to secure information as to the disabilities of T.B. men, in sanatoria and out. A suggestion was now made that the Goveinment should pay a percentage of the loading according to the percentage of disability. It was only fair that the loading for disease contracted on active service should be paid by the Government Department. He had agreed to go into the matter with the chairman (Sir Andrew Russell). and assured the deputation of the sympathy of the association for their case. Everything possible would be done, and immediate action taken to get matters on a proper footing.