MEDICAL TREATMENT

Southland Times, Issue 24168, 3 July 1940, Page 7

MEDICAL TREATMENT

To The Editor

Sir, —I belong to that little band of obviously fit young men who are frequently being asked in stirring patriotic speeches to “Join your pals for overseas service,” and who are also the target for judicious mud-slinging from the uninitiated. I volunteered for service with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. and was classed temporarily unfit by the medical examiners, because of varicose veins in one leg. I was informed that as soon as 1 received the necessary medical treatment I would be fit for service. In due course, I was notified to report at Kew hospital for treatment, and was informed that my treatment would require several more visits. As I live in the country, each visit with loss of wages, travelling costs and so on, would have cost me approximately £2, and I am advised by the Defence Department that all ex-

penses incurred must be met by myself. Of course, in common with most others placed in a similar position, I am keen to put my little weight where I consider it will be of most advantageand I am securing the medical treatment privately, at my own expense, but it seems to me that the situation is distinctly lopsided. After all, it is not very flattering to find that the powers that be consider that what I have to offer is not worth the price of medical treatment.—Yours, etc., IS IT BRITISH. July I, 1940.