HOME FOR SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16857, 10 June 1920, Page 6

HOME FOR SOLDIERS.

1 THE CARE OF INCURABLE CASES. A circular-letter from Brigadier-Gen-era! McGavin. Director-General of Medical Services, in regard to the establishment of a home for incurable rotumed soldiers, was received by the oxecutivo of the Patriotic Fund yesterday. In his letter, Brigadier-General McGavin stated that some returned men had disabilities of an incurable, or a very chronic nature, and would require nursing, and ascertain amount of medical attention for a very long time to come, perhaps for tho rest of their lives. Owing, to that fact, they wero clearly unsuited for a public hospital, and it was suggested that such cases would constitute a very suitable object for expenditure by patriotic bodies. In Auckland the patriotic bodies had united in providing a home for such cases, the Government providing the trained nurses, and a part-time medical officer. It was estimated that there would be only about 10 or 12 cases of the sort in this district, and it would, therefore, hardly be necessary to build a home, as a house of fair size should suffice. In connexion with the letter, the Adequacy of Fund Committeo made a recommendation to the effect that the establishment of a homo i'or totally disabled soldiers was a matter which should be dealt with by tho Government. and, in the event of the Government's failing to act. the Red Cross Society was the proper body to deal with the proposal. A lengthy discussion followed the reading of tho recommendation, with which it was finally agreed to incorporate an amendment to tho effect that endeavours be mado to arrange a conference with the Red Cross authorities on tho subject.- * A WOMEN'S MEETING.

SIMILAR. PROPOSAL SUPPORTED. In connexion with a similar proposal, a meeting of women who have been regular visitors to the Chalmers Military Ward, was held yesterday afternoon in the Canterbury Women's Club, the Rev. Canon Mutter, chaplain to the ward, presiding. Tho chairman stated that tho meeting, whph was informal, had been called to discuss matters pertaining to tho. future of disabled soldiers. While the Red Cross Societv had done splendid work, it was really more for tho present than the future. What was required was a homo where such men could be boarded and given tho care their eases needed. In England and on the Continent such homes had been found of great benefit. It was desired to get these men in a homo by themselves, so that tliey would not bo dependent on lodgings, to pay for which they had not sufficient means. Tho Red Cross people had a goodly sum on hand, and some of it was devoted to tjio purchase of cigarettes, razor blades, etc. It was thought that the soldiers would willingly forego theso comforts if tho money thus saved could be diverted to the purpose mentioned. In tho discussion which followed, it was pointed out that the public did not realise how necessary such a homo was. Lodgings wero very difficult to obtain at anything like a reasonable price. Instances were given of soldiers in receipt of a pension of £2 3s 4d weekly, who were asked to pay 35s for lodgings, other instances being quoted of oven harder eases. Some of tho men in ouestion, it was pointed out, were feeling - verv depressed nt their position. Something better ought to be avaihiblo for them than a public institution. Mrs Lnvie gave particulars of a hostel which had been opened in Wellington some years ago, and which had been most successful. Tho men had at first paid 2Ds weekly, and later, as the cost of living had risen, those who could do light work and could afford the extra expense, paid 2'2s Gd. Tho hostel was i conducted by a trained nurse, who acted as matron. No incapacitated man was refused a meal, and none was turned awav. It was decided to ask the Red Cross Society to co-operate m the matter of urging upon the Government the immediate necessity of opening a homo in Christchurch for chronic eases among soldiers, and a hostel for men temporarily disabled and undergoing modical attention, both establishments to bo under one roof. It was also decided tWt a deputation should wait on the Red Cross Society to point out to that body the necessity of taking action in the matter, the deputation to consist of Miss Jcrrod. Mesdanies IJrittan, Lavie, and Mcddings, a representative ef the Citizens' Defence Corps, Mr W. 15. Lendley, of tho Returned Soldiers' Association, and Canon Mutter.