TO VISIT EGYPT

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 280, 25 August 1915, Page 4

TO VISIT EGYPT

AN OFFICIAL APPOINTMENT.

LIETJT.-COLONEL R. H. RHODES TO INSPECT HOSPITALS-

After the Cabinet meeting on Monday night, the Prime Minister informed a reporter that the Government had decided to send Lieutenant-Colonel R. Heaton Rhodes, the late P.ostmasterGeneral and Assistant Defence Minister, to Egypt and Malta to inspect and report upon the conditions there as they affect New Zealand soldiiers. This step was being taken in accordance with the promise already made 1 by the Minister for Defence that a' New Zealand officer would be. sent to Egypt to investigate the matters which have been the cause of complaints during recent months. Lieutenant-Colonel Rhodes had charge of military hospitals in the Dominion before' the formation of the National Government. The Minister for Defence stated that Lieutenant-Coltonel Rhodes would inquire into and report upon certain matters about whieh the public- mind had been, exercised for some time past. Tho order of -reference would include the following matters: — (1) Information as to sick and' wounded and uniformity in Hospital reports, so as to give the fullest possible ; information.

(2) •_ Accommodation' and general treatment of New Zealanders in hospitals and convalescent Homes, including the possibility of aggregating New Zealanders in one or more hospitals under New Zealand medical officers and nurses.

(.°>) The comfort of the sick and wounded.

(4) Receiving of gift good's and stores through the' Government for the soldiers, the treatment of good's on their arrival and" their distribution. (5) The arrangements in connection with goods sent through Government channels for the comfort of the sick and wounded.

((») The treatment of gift goods sent through other channels. (7) The return of the sick and wounded to New Zealand the' selection of the men to be returned, and the dispatch of' informatics regardir these men to the Defence Department.

(S) The clothing and outfits of wounded soldiers.

(9) Information with regard to- men killed in action and died in hospitals —relatives desire particulars of death and burial. (If)) The arrangements for dealing with moneys belonging to deceased soldiers, but held in banks, 1.e., in Egypt and Malta. (11) The return of the belongings of deceased soldiers. (12) The mail and postal services, and especially the alleged - non-delivery or late delivery of maitfs, and parcels. Lieutenant - Colonel Modes will leave for very shortly, probably , next week.