Artificial Limbs

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 24, 20 April 1927, Page 13

Artificial Limbs

Soldiers Complain Specifications Disliked RETURNED MEN DISSENT The manufacture of artificial limbs has caused dissatisfaction among •many disabled returned soldiers in Auckland. Recently the Returned Soldiers’ Association sent out a questionnaire to 60 men who have lost limbs, and over 40 replied that they were not in favour of the present manufacturer continuing with the work. A new specification of the type of limb lias also met with much disapproval and the Auckland R.S.A. has sent the following telegram to the Minister of Defence: “Strongly protest against form of artificial limb specification and against untried design being standardised. Demand withdrawal of specification and an inquiry into whole subject.” A reply has not yet been received. The new specification provides for a socket at the base of the leg instead of the existing bolt. “This is the worst possible type of connection.” said an expert in artificial limbs. ‘ There is nothing to prevent the foot and leg coming apart if the socket should be subjected to any undue strain.” A Wellington firm at present holds the contract for the supplying of limbs to the whole of New Zealand. The contract expires on April 30, and the successful tenderer has to be ready to start the making of limbs on June 1. “The Government has given very short notice,” said Mr. E. H. Sharp, secretary of the R.S.A.; “a tenderer, say*, from Auckland would have very little chance of getting ready" his central factory in Wellington and his depots in each centre by June 1.” AN AUCKLAND FACTORY Two years ago a factory, owned and run by returned soldiers, was operating in Auckland for the purpose of supplying all artificial limbs to amputees living in the province. The Government decided to get the supply from one source. A declaration, made by a legless returned soldier in Auckland, attacks the methods of the present contractor. ‘‘l would like to say that the condition under which the casts were taken in Wellington would well repay looking into. . . . My complaint is that owing to there being little difficulty in fitting my stumps satisfactorily' the contractors are not giving me fair treatment. I have been fitted satisfactorily by r another firm in Auckland before the Government let the last contract so that I am certain that it is possible to make a pair of legs for me.”