SOLDIERS' LIMBS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2772, 16 May 1916, Page 9

SOLDIERS' LIMBS

MADE IN NEW ZEALAND^ Artificial limbs for soldiers was.a questio.ii which was discussed at last night's meeting of tho Wellington Provincial Industrial Association. In opening the discussion tho chairman (Mr. F. J. Evans) said that it was satisfactory' to know that artificial limbs for soldiers could be made in New Zealand. An Auckland firm <hod given assurances to the Minister of Defence that they had men employed who were experts in this class of work, and these men w.ere willing to undertake tho manufacture of limbs as soon as it was demanded of them. Certain members were of tiho opinion that there was no reason why- every patient should bo sent to Auckland to have artificial limbs fitted when tliere were two other firms—ono in Wellington and one in Dunedin—who were quite capable of doing the work. Mr. Mainland was of opinion that' tlie Wellington Association should not further the interests of firms other' than those in the district. The artificial limbmakers should hold a conference among themselves and subsequently place their views before the association, then that body could, if they so desired, place their claims before tho Government. Mr. T. Eallinger said that the Wellington Association should protect its own member. That firm should not be overlooked by the Government, _ Mr. Watkins expressed the opinion that in allowing tbo Auokland firm to obtain the Government orders the Wellington firm had shown a want of enterprise. It was finally resolved that a letter be sent to the Hon. J. Allen, Minister of Defence, asking him to reply to the association's former letter answering the question why an Auckland firm should have tho solo right to manufacture artificial limbs while there were firms in Wellington and Dunediu which isere ablo to supply the wants of patients.