MEDICAL BOARD'S WORK.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 44, Issue 134044, 11 January 1918, Page 5

MEDICAL BOARD'S WORK.

COURT OF ENQUIRY. (By Telegraph—Preas Association.) <;iiR,bST('Hi:.R('H, Thursday. The Court of Enquiry which was convened to investigate the charge made by Dr. Thacker, M.1 , ., a captain in the reservo of oOicors, Now Zealand Medical < 'orps, and others in respect to the conduct of members of the Military Medical .Hoards which have done duty in the Canterbury military district, continued its sittings throughout to-day. M. .!. (Bresson, president, of tho Second Division League, applied for leave to produce evidence from Second Division reservists who were dissatislied with their medical clussilieation, but tho court declined, holding that it did not come within the scope of the enquiry. Captain E. V. Pridham, of Wunganui, desired to louder evidence regarding the •jonduet of Wellington and Otago Medical Hoards, but the court held that it had no .jurisdiction. William Alfred. Patrick Mills, of Cliristchureh, complained that, he had not been properly examined by the (..'2 special examination board. He held that he had not been properly classified, and the board had not taken into consideration that he suffered from rheumatism. He had been classed C.I. Lieuteiiiint-Colonel (uinii and Major C. h\ nia.-kelt, N.Z.M.C, said that the examination of Mills was thorough, and that his rheumatism had been taken into iii-i'ount. A. M. i'tdson -aid his complaint was against the I 'iroct or of Medical Services and thai i.ilicer's assistant.—-The president ruled ii Hiit. as nor within the sen),!, of the enquiry. The essence ot' lieiirv Kiimmiol's complaint was that, he had not been thorough I v and properly examined; and that the medical examiners had m>l. taken enough trouble over his case. Dr. Foster, called by complainant, said ho had suffered Einanuel, who was suffering , from chronic prostatis. Captain Lester, N.Z.M.C, said that complainant was not fully examined, as ho took Dr. Foster's certificate as sufficient proof of the man's particular condition. In the case of Bugler Burrows, called by Dr. Thacker, Major Gresson (representing the Defence Department) contended that it concerned the AssistantDirector of Medical Services, and that that otlicial did not come under the heading of medical hoards or medical oflicers, but the court decided to take if. Major Gresson protested against having to go on in view of the short notice, and asked for an adjournment till Saturday at least. This case was the most serious of all so far. Dr. Thacker said that ho was agreeable to an adjournment if ho could get a witness from Awapuni. He wanted the case given every publicity, as he intended to ask the Prime Minister aud Sir Joseph Ward to grant a 'Royal Commission into the whole question of military medical conduct. Lientenant-Colone] McGibbon, Assist-ant-Director of Medical Services, roso and protested against Dr. Thacker being allowed to play to the gallery in that manner. "This man," he said, "hns reflected on my conduct in Parliament under the cloak of privilege, and lias also made statements against mo in this court. I intend to protect myself, and I shall seek my remedy in tho Supremo Court if necessary.' , Tho court adjourned till Saturday.