GERMAN ATROCITIES

Southland Times, Issue 17498, 29 April 1915, Page 6

GERMAN ATROCITIES

A BELGIAN PROFESSOR'S STATEMENT. Some time ago a report wap published nn the West Coast of this island that Mr J. B. Biggins, formerly a student tit the Otago School of .Medicine, now a corporal in the Royal Army Medical Corps, had been incapacitated through having the tendons in his arm cut by the Germans while he was at the front in Europe. The report was promptly contradicted as without foundation. Corporal Riggins, writing lo the editor of this paper from Ncwcastlc-im-Tync, expresses his surprise that such a report should have received circulation, especially as, til the date of his letter (the 3 tth March), he had not been out of England, Ho adds: But still, as far as actual atrocities are concerned. I have ample proof to satisfy mo that the Germans can never he forgiven for their barbarity. A few days ago Professor Jacobs, a very well-known Brussels professor, was here lecturing to the Durham School of Medicine on behalf of (he Belgian doctors. Professor Jacobs is the head of the Red Cross in Belgium, and lias been right through all the war so far. His tales were really indescribable. At present he litis with him two children, both under 10. who have had their hands cut off at the wrist. He has also had dozens under his care in Belgium Who have died owing to iheir arms not having received any immediate attention. Moreover, he had under his care in Brussels It young men who have been mutilated in an indescribable manner, and Ihe outraged women tire a problem to the count? v. At present I here tiro leading articles in some of the l-'nglish papers asking: “What are the Belgian women to do with their iiun haliies?" The Belgian doctors' houses and libraries have linen made a special butt for the acts of the vandals. Some medical libraries of great value have been packed up and sent to Germany. The doctors are homeless and wandering about the streets destitute, and it was on their behalf that Professor Jacobs came over to visit this country to get assistance. At present I am temporarily attached to a big military hospital here, and the wounded are arriving nearly every week. The hospital has 1200 beds, and is always full. Tetanus seems to bo the big bugbear at the front, and we have, just been supplied with a new "first field dressing” in which there is a rubber tube of iodine.