MEDICAL OFFICERS AND THE STATE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 230, 23 June 1919, Page 6

MEDICAL OFFICERS AND THE STATE

STATEMENT BY SIR JAMES ALLEN.-, By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, June 22. In a speech at the opening of tho new military wards of the Christchurch Hospital vestcrday Sir James Allen paid a high tribute to tho medical officers who nro attending to returned men, pointing out that they were giving up. a great deal to remain with the Defence Department. Thi?v want, Sir James Allen said, to be able to build up their civil practices, but unfortunately we cannot -lot them go. The question of pay and other emolument is under consideration at the present moment, and I liopo an improvement will be made in regard to their pay. I hope, also before long the Director-Gem.ral of Medical Services will he able to allow some of them part time service with us and the olhor part of their lime lo ro-establish themselves in civil practice. Sir James Allen remarked- that with four orthopaedic centres (Chrisluhurch, Dunedin, Tientham, and Auckland) he hoped, as far us could bo foreseen, tliui: sufficient orthopaedic provision had been made in Now Zealand. "If that is not enough," continued Sir James Allen, "then I here publicly stale that the Department will not slacken ils efforts if further provision is required.