ARMY DOCTORS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 92, 11 January 1918, Page 6

ARMY DOCTORS

THE THACKER CHARGES

FURTHER EVIDENCE IN CHRISTCHURCH

ABOUT A BUGLER

By Telegraph—Press Association. Ghristchurch, January 10. The Court of Inquiry which was convened to investigate tho charge made by Dr. Thacker, M.P., Captain in tho Resorvo of Officers, Now Zealand Medical Corps, and others, in respect to tho conduct of members of military boards which had done duty in the Canterbury military district, continued its sittings throughout to-day. M. J. Gresson, president of the Second Division League, applied for leave to produce evidenco from Second Division reservists who were dissatisfied with their medical classification, but tho Court declined, holding that this did not come within tho scope of the inquiry. Captain E. V. Pridham, of Wanganni, desired to tender evidence regarding tho conduct of the Wellington and Otago Medical Boards, but the board held that it had no jurisdiction.

William Alfred Patrick Mills, Christchurch, complained that he had not been properly examined by tho Special Examination Board. He held that he had not been properly classified, and the board had not taken into consideration that lie suffered from rheumatism. He had been classed CI.

Lieutenant-Colonel Gitnn and Major G. E. Blackott, N.Z.M.C., said that the examination of Mills was thorough, and his rheumatism had been taken into account. »

. Robert William Ellis, whose complaint was similar to tho last one, said that he had complained to the Assistant Director of Medical Services, and had been advised to place his caso before the officer commanding the district.

The Court declined to 3iear tho grievance of G. L. Ostler, who alleged negligence on the part of the Medical Board in the case of a reservist.

Tho complaints of Privates \E. S. Jones and B. Peters wero also tuled out as boing complaints of wrongful classification, outside the order of reference. , A. M. Poison said that his complaint was against the Director of Medical Services, and that officer's assistant. Tho president ruled it. out, as not within the scope of tho inquiry.

Tho essence of Henry Emauuel's complaint was that lie- had not been thoroughly and properly examined, and that the medicalexaminers had not taken enough trouble over his case. Dr. Foster, called by the complainant, said he had examined Emannel, who was suffering from chronic prostatitis.

Captain Lester, N.Z.M.C., said that complainant was not fully examined as he took Dr. Foster's certificate as sufficient'proof of the man's particular condition.

The Air Crows. Warmer. In'the caso of Bugler Burrows, called by Dr. Thackor, Major Gresson, representing the Defence Department, contended that it concerned the Assistant Director of Medical Services, and that that official did not come under tho heading of medical boards or medical officers. The Court decided to take it. 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. Thncker said he was agreeable to an adjournment if he could get a witness from Awapuni. He wanted the case given every publicity as he intended to ask the "Prime Minister' and Sir Joseph Ward to grant a Iloyal Commission into the whole question of military medical conduct.

Lieutenant-Colonel M'Gibbon, Assist .ant-Director of Medical Services, roso and protested against Dr. Thacker being allowed to play to the gallery In that'manner. "This man," ho said, "has reflected on my conduct in Parliament under tho cloak of privilege, and has also made statements against me in this court. I intend to protect myself, and I shall seek my remedy in tho Supremo Cmirt if neessary." The Court adjourned till Saturday.