WAR INJURIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21185, 4 November 1938, Page 4

WAR INJURIES

Many Returned Men Breaking Up Monthly Meeting of S.C. Association Reporting on the work of the Pensions’ Committee. Dr. F. F. A. Ulrich stated at a meeting of the executive of the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers’ Association held on Tuesday evening that his experience, and no doubt that of other medical men, led to the definite conclusion that with the passing of time an increasing number of men who had suffered war injury or impaired health from war service, but who had enjoyed fair health during the interviewing years as a result of former treatment, were now breaking up and swelling the list of applicants for pensions for war disability. Unfortunately at this late date ft was becoming increasingly difficult in many instances to prove to the Pensions Board that the present conditions of these men were attributable to the effects of war service, but he had no doubt in his own mind that such was the case. Even with clear cut evidence available, said Dr. Ulrich, it was sometimes hard to convince the Board, and he instanced the case of a Timaru applicant who had been denied the right of appeal against a former decision of the Board. Endeavours were being made to have this case reopened. In all representations on behalf of nineteen applicants had been made during the month, one case being successfully finalised, two being declined, while the remainder were still being considered. Mr H. G. Naylor outlined procedure required to be followed before the South Canterbury Hospital Board could recommend special treatment at outside hospitals or sanatoria. Other members attending the meeting were Mr G. J. Walker (chairman), Messrs E. D. Mcßae, J. D. Duncan, F. H. Davey, S. Shears, B. Howell, R. J. Esler, D. B. Murchison, C. H. Coxhead, A. M. Parker and the assistant secretary, Mr J. Clemens. Mr Walker stated that during the month he had represented the Association at the Imperial Ex-servicemen’s reunion, which had been a most successful function. Military Reserve A communication was received from headquarters of the N.Z.R.S.A., relative to the formation of a national military reserve. It was stated that during the last few months many returned men throughout the Dominion had offered their services in the event of a national emergency arising, and that to take advantage of these offers the Returned Soldiers’ Association was co-operating with the military authorities in the formation of a reserve of men between the ages of 40 and 50 years who have had active service experience. It was explained that by signing on as a member no obligation would be incurred, nor would any training be carried out until an emergency should arise, when the reservist, if called upon, would be required to take part in home defence service only. The reserve, to which one thousand men are to be posted, is also open to ex-members of the regular forces who may offer their service. Lower Roll On behalf of the membership committee, Mr Parker reported that despite an intensive canvass and the circularising of all unfinancial members, the roll was considerably lower than at the corresponding date of last year. This state was mostly occasioned by the fact that in several country branches membership drives were this year belated. For their respective branches, Messrs Howell and Esler stated that the ultimate returns would maintain fully, if not improve, upon the former memberships of Mackenzie and Pleasant Point. Hospital Report In a written report, the hospital visitor, Mr N. Dickinson, stated that during the month thirty-eight visits had been paid to men in hospital. Ten patients were at present receiving treatment. One death, that of the late Mr J. Teape, had occurred during the month. Mr Coxhead stated that arrangements were well in hand for the holding of the S.C.R.S.A. golf tournament this month, and that many entries from outside centres had been received. Dr. Ulrich and Mr Davey were appointed as additional members on the Anzac Day Observance Committee and the chairman, with Messrs Mcßae and Naylor, as representatives of the Association at the meeting 'called by His Worship the Mayor in regard to the formation of r branch of the New Zealand Defence League.