SOLDIERS ON SICK LEAVE

Southland Times, Issue 24437, 17 May 1941, Page 3

SOLDIERS ON SICK LEAVE

Arising out of the recent difficulty between the Bluff Patriotic Committee and Mr Grieve, and in order that the members of other patriotic committees should have a clear understanding ot the position, the following questions call for answers. What is the position of a soldier on sick leave but still undischarged? (1) Does he still receive his full pay or what portion of his pay is he allowed to draw? (2) What additional amount is he given as boarding allowance, even if he is with his own family or friends? (3) Is he still entitled to draw his clothing? (4) Does he still receive full medical treatment? (5) What allowance or concessions is he given for travelling? A clear statement in answer to these questions would enable us to recognize to what extent (if any) such a soldier is entitled to help from the patriotic funds. Might I ask also if Mr Grieve has sole authority to deal with any claims which come up from time to time, or is there a committee set up for this purpose. I might say that I know nothing about the particular case under review and am not making any comments one way or another. I merely ask that the position should be clarified so that committees and the contributing public can continue their good work with confidence. — CHAIRMAN.

[The answers to the questions asked in this letter are:—(l) He is entitled to his ordinary Army pay. (2) The soldier is entitled to 2/6 a day subsistence allowance, even if he is with his own family or friends. This allowance is not paid if he is in hospital. (3) As soon as a soldier arrives back in New Zealand he is examined bv a medical board, and, if it is decided that he is to be discharged, he is given 28 days’ sick and privilege leave. During this leave the soldiei’ is allowed to wear civilian clothes and he receives a mufti allowance of £7/10/- when he hands in his uniform, great coat and hat. He is permitted to retain, free of charge, his military underclothing, braces, socks and boots. (4) He still receives full medical treatment. (5) A soldier is granted free travel by train or bus if he has to travel to hospital for out-patient treatment that has been ordered. In addition a free railway pass available for travel over the railway systems of both Islands is available for all returned soldiers of this war discharged from the 2nd N.Z.E.F. on medical grounds or for other satisfactory reasons. This pass is valid for any consecutive 28 days within a period of 12 months from date of medical examination on disembarkation. The reply to the other question in the letter is that claims for assistance from the Southland Provincial Patriotic Fund are dealt with by the executive of the fund.]