PERTINENT QUERIES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1920, Page 3

PERTINENT QUERIES

ABOUT SOLDIER PATIENTS

(Per Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, September 29. Allegations regarding the admission of soldier patients to mental hospitals wefe made at a meeting of the Executive of Returned Soldiers Association, by a member .who said it had come to knowledge that a. soldier had'been committed to Seacliff Mental Hospital without an order of a Magistrate. He moved and it was carried, that the Defence Department he asked through the Assistant Director of Medical Services for a report and reply to certain questions. These asked for information concerning the number of ex-soldior patients at present jfn Seacliff Mental Hospital, the number admitted fo the perior of 1914-20; the number admitted

without a Magistrates order; the mimso admitted who died there; the PKtal number of deaths of soldier patients there, from 1914 to 1920. Motions were also passed asking what attention was given to wounds and physical disabilities of soldier patients in Seacliff, whether there was a secret understanding between the Defence Department and the officer in icharge

at Seacliff Mental Hospital regarding 'V the admission of soldier patients; who was the owner of ICaritane hospital and was paid for the lease of it; what agreement was entered into by the Defence Department for taking it over, and when and by whose authority it was closed to soldier patients.