A CALL FOR ACTION.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 65, 7 June 1912, Page 4

A CALL FOR ACTION.

Puponga was under a cloud. Harry Crooke, tho secretary, was struck down by a terrible accident three days before wo arrived, and soon after he had sent mc a telegram confirming all arrangements. It was a cruel and dangerous accident, and it was between seven and hours before a doctor arrived. It was three or four days before- he could reach the nearest hospital. If a hundred idle and useless millionaires lived at Puponga there would bo at least 25 doctors and every modern appliance for help in caso of an accident to a motor or an aeroplane or a gun going off at the wrong time. If this can bo done for tho idle and useless, it should be done for miners and workers of all kinds. Here is work for tho Federation and the Socialists. Let us insist that whereever men aro allowed to work at dangerous occupations, it shall bo compulsory that good medical aid bo within reasonable distance. A government that won't do this is useless to the workers, and if the employers won't attend to this, let them take all the dangerous jobs themselves. I wonder if Robertson, M.P., will take this matter up? I called several times at the Nelson Hospital to enquire about Comrade Crooke, but was not allowed to see him. May he have a happy issue from his trouble, and may this accident bring compulsory medical service near at hand for all who take risks for the general good.