EFFECTS OF WAR SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1928, Page 5

EFFECTS OF WAR SERVICE

EX-SOLDIER’S COLLAPSE,

STRANGE CASE IN AUCKLAND.

AUCKLAND, Oct. 24

A remarkable case, illustrative of the fact that many returned soldiers are only now feeling the full effect of war service, has been brought under notice in connexion with a movement to have some provision made by the Government for dealing with cases ot, distress. '

A man who left New Zealand in the Second Reinforcements and served in Gallipoli, France and elsewhere, re-\ turned to Auckland just before the Armistice. He was signed as having been treated in an English soldiers’ Hospital for war injuries over a long period. He had recovered sufficiently I to resume the work on which he had been employed prior to the war, and being a good tradesman, and a steady man, he was able to save a little money. About twelve months ago he noticed that attacks of depression were very frequent, and consulted a doctor, who advised him to take a long holiday. This he was able to do, and after a good spell in the south he -returned to Auckland. : On the day of the return flight of the Bristol ’planes he was motored to Mangere by two friends, and there the excitement of the flight, no doubt accentuated Iby the recollection of war incidents, caused a collapse from which he did not recover. Ijle was convey- . ed to a private hospital where it was seen that he had lost all sense - of time and place. At one moment he was in Hornchurch, and the next with liis brothers and sisters in Auckland. He believed himself, to be in a soldiers’ hospital, under military rule and he was a very quiet and obedient patient. He said that there was something wrong with his Head, but he would be all light in a day or two. But his case proved to he much more seyious, and it is questionable whether he will ever recover. In the meantime his small savings are being absorbed, and if he possibly should ever again be able to work, he -woulfT most likely be penniless.