“AFRAID TO COMPLAIN”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 505, 7 November 1928, Page 10

“AFRAID TO COMPLAIN”

T.B. SUFFERERS AT EPSOM GOVERNMENT BLAMED The scandalous treatment accorded sufferers at the Epsom tuberculosis shelters was stressed by Mr. R. B. Speirs, United candidate for Auckland West, who addressed a large and enthusiastic meeting at O’Neill Street Hall last evening. Mr. Speirs said that after any considerable amount of rain the catchment area flooded, and the ground surrounding the huts was ankle-deep in water, so that nurses had to wear waterproofs and seaboots when they attended to the patients. The men were denied the relief of medical attention as far as drugs were concerned. The food was good, but was spoiled in the cooking, and the desperately ill man was required to eat the same food as his comparatively healthy comrade. “Yet these poor fellows dare not complain,” continued the candidate. “Should they do so, they would be shown the door, and as many of them are destitute, and have nowhere to go, they are compelled to suffer in silence.” Mr. Speirs thought the men’s complaints might have been aggravated a little by their mental condition, but though he had no wish to make political capital of the affair, he was convinced that there was a great deal of truth in their remarks. The candidate quoted the Reform manifesto for 1928, mentioning that the Prime Minister intended to give some assistance to returned soldiers who were suffering from war injuries, but had been unable to prove their right to a pension. “Now the war has oeen over 10 years, something may be done for these men,” continued Mr. Speirs. The Government must accept the blame for the fate of those fellows who, without any assistance, have dragged their painful way to everlasting rest.” Mr. Speirs pursued a vigorous indictment of the Government on the lines of previous addresses, basing his criticism on extracts from an Auckland newspaper, and what he claimed as “indiscreet admissions made by Cabinet Ministers.” His remarks were particularly well received, not one hostile interjection interrupting the speaker. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed unanimously, and Mr. L. O’Malley was also thankdd for controlling the meeting. ,