Untitled

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1871, 31 August 1918, Page 1

sion men examined was 00,074, and mil of these only 23,587 were passed fit, the percentage being 35.37. This means that 43,087 were “turned down,” or 04.03 per eont. of the whole. The examination of Class A (married men without children) revealed a slightly worse state of affairs. Altogether, 12,028 recruits faced the doctor, and only 3,957 proved physically lit, the percentage in this case being 32.89. That left 8,701 rejects, or 07.11 per cent. Then came class B (married men with one child), and the fathers of a family of one made a belter showing than their comrades of Class A. At the end of dune, 10,375 Class B men had been examined, and the number passed was 3,943, nr 38 per cent., leaving 0,432 rejects, or 02 per cent. The figures relating to Class B are incomplete, but it is understood the percentage is practically the same right through. The Class C (married men with two children) figures are not yet available, but it is staled that they show still a further improvement as regards physical fitness. REASONS FOR REJECTION, No doubl the question of (he physical unfitness of so many young New Zealanders will constitute one of the Dominion's post-war problems. It is considered by many who are able to speak with authority that much can be done to rectify the unsatisfactory state of affairs, and the Minister for Public Health has already thrown out a hint in this, connection. The following figures showing (he nature of the complaints of rejects called by ballot emphasise the necessity for grappling with the problem in the future. Prom duly Ist, 1917, till the conclusion of the First Division ballots, 30,404 were examined, and of this number 14,278 were accepted, and 10.120 were classed C2 or D, The, following are the principal causes for the recruits being rejected:— Disabilities with regard to height, 171. Insufficient chest measurement, 2(52. Insufficient weight, 20, Defects in arms and legs, 3,574. Chest troubles, 958. Debility, 052. Defective vision, 1,021, Circulatory troubles (including (he heart), 5,120. Hernia, 994. Digestive troubles, 453. Diseases of the ear, 599. General diseases, 5,144.