THE DISABLED SOLDIER

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1919, Page 1

THE DISABLED SOLDIER

AN ASSOCIATION MOVEMENT,

The Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association lias called a meeting of all men who have lost a limb, the object being lo consider what might be done to ensure for these men a useful and comfortable future. Officers of the Association are very strongly of opinion that no more time must be lost in devising means for such disabled men to be taught useful occupation. “Already men who have lost a limb are thronging the ways which lead to nowhere.” said a member of the executive on Thursday. “These men left New Zoalaud in the fullness of then - strength. They gave their limbs for their country —their contribution toward the cost of the peace which we now enjoy; but so far their country has done practically nothing for them beyond granting a pension. What we want to impress upon the public and Government is that a pension is not the chief consideration in these eases. With tli e small earnings most of these men are able to make added to the pension, they may be able to live, hut what of their future? Is this country going to allow these unfortunates to become by force of circumstances, human wastage? Take the young men who are now driving lifts and doing similar light work. Are they to do that for the rest of their lives? What is to become of them, afflicted as most arc with ‘nerves,’ if their future outlook is so hopeless •

“What we hope to see is a practical scheme adopted by the Government under which every disabled man, who cannot follow his old occupation, will be taught some congenial occupation which will ensure for him a decent future. There are hundreds of such occupations both in town and country, but many of the disabled men do not realise it, because they have not been shown it. It must he dealised by the authorities that most invalided soldiers return to civilian life with greatly reduced initiative because of their service and injuries, and for that very reason no soulless, departmental methods will meet their case. Patience and sympathy would work miracles. From what I know of these men I am certain that nine out of ten would rush the chance to be taught something worth while yet at this moment practically no opportunity exists. So far the Government has been quite content to discharge these men to sink or swim.’