MEDICAL NEEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1917, Page 2

MEDICAL NEEDS.

WAIMATE PLAINS CASE. At the sitting of tlie First Wellington Military Service Board at Hawera on Monday, an appeal was heard with re ; sped to Thomas A. Milroy, medical .practitioner, Manaia. Mr. Bennett appeared for the appellants (the Friendly Society Lodges) and Mr "Welsh for the reservist (Or Milroy). Mr Welsh, at the commencement, said he wished to make it clear that fir. Milroy had not appealed.

Mr. Bennett said the appeal was l»y the Friendly Societies, who were in a somewhat peculiar position, inasmuch that if the appeal was not allowed they would have no medical practitioner in the district.

Captain Walker: Is there any guarantee that Dr Milroy will remain in the district if the appeal is sustained?

Mr Welsh:. I will guarantee that Dr Milroy will not undertake to remain. Mr. Bennett;: That places us in an awkward position. The chairman: What is your attitude now that it has been seated that Dr Milroy will not, remain in the district? Mr. Bennett: We are duty hound to proceed with the appeal in the interests of the district. We desire to get an authority from the Boc.rd that it is in the interests of the community in the Manaia district that the appeal of the Friendly Societies should be upheld. The chairman: But you cannot make Dr. Milroy slay behind if ho wishes to proceed on active service. Mr. Bennett: We are entitled to come to this Board and get an opinion from you, sir, that our case is a bona fide one, and that the appeal should be upheld. we want your assistance to secure assistance from the. health authorities in regard to sending another medical practitioner to replace T)r. Miltov should the appeal bo not upheld,

Mr Williams: What you contend is that a recommendation from this Board will strengthen your hands. Mr. Bennett: That is exactly the position

Mr Williams: Put this Board has got no weight with the health authorities in compelling them to send a doctor. Mr Welsh said that notwithstanding' all; that had been said by his friend, Mr Blennett. his client, Dr. Milroy, felt that Uis obligation was now to serve his -country. As far back a? October, l!)lf>, Dr Milroy wished to make arrangements whereby he. could give hi* services to his country. At that tim» Dr. Milroy was informed that there was no vacancy for him. Dr. Milroy at this time was engaged to be married, and he placed himself in the hands of Dr. Yalintine, of the Health Department, who or February 7, 1016, advised Dr. Milroy. inter alia, as follows: "I am in a position to inform you that there is no likelihood of your services being required for many months to come, the Government having been advised that no more medical officers are required. Consequently you will lie justified in undertaking the responsibility you are entering upon. I quite agree with you that Manaia should not be left without a medical practitioner, consequently you will be the last T will call upon." In the face of that letter, added counsel, Dr. Milroy got married. Mr Welsh went on to refer to the subsequent illness of Dr Milroy, and said that as soon as he was convalescent the doctor went to Wellington and interviewed Dr. Henderson, surgeon-general, with reference to again offering his services to his countrv, stating that he had no desire to be called up as a conscript. Dr ITenjderson later replied by letter that he had made a request that: Dr Milroy he exempted from service, on the ground that he was the only doctor in the Manaia district. Subsequently Dr. Milroy was drawn in the ballot, and directly, or indirectly, his client had not, influenced the present appeal, nor had he ever countenanced if in any possible way whatever. Dr. Milroy went before the Medical Board in the ordinary way. and because of his recent operation his ease was .erred for four months. Dr Milroy was determined to serve his country, and he felt that it was bis paramount dutv to answer the country's call. Dr. Milroy had "played the game" right through, and was willing to answer the call to duty. Dr Milroy had never been a party to the appeal, and had never personally entered an appeal. The chairman: Mr. 'Bennett, is there •any necessity to go on with the appeal -after what lias been said by Mr Welsh? Mr. Bennett •■•Yes. He added that the 1 oil ices had interviewed the authorities at Wellington in regard to the position, but were not successful. The chairman, after consulting with his colleagues, said that the. Board were strongly of the opinion that a medical practitioner sent to take Dr. Milrev's place. This was all the Board could do so far as the needs of the district were concerned. Mr, Bennett: Thank you very much. The Friendly Societies' appeal was (m-m;.llv di. missed.

Mr Welsh: I take it that the Boarrt will give an expression of opinion that mv client has dune his duty. The chairman: The Board is certainly of that opinion. The course that Dr Milroy has taken is a highly praiseworthy one, and he is to be highlv commended', he has shown a \erv fine patriotic spirit, and has done his duty in spite of inconvenience to himself.