DR. THACKER'S CHARGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 January 1918, Page 4

DR. THACKER'S CHARGES.

AGAINST MILITARY MEDICAL BOARDS. • INSULTING BEHAVIOUR ALLEGED. By Telegraph.—'Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night, The court of inquiry set up to investigate the allegations made by Dr. Thacker, M.P., with respect to the conduct of military, medical examinations, was opened today. 'Major Loach presided. Jerome McAnulty, farmer, Methven, said the certificate he presented to Lieut.- , Colonel Ewart, examining officer, was sneered at. Witness alleged he had not been thoroughly examined, and complained of tiie hostile nature of the oi'licer and his insulting and offensive attitude. Ernest William Webb, farmer, Rakaia, wlio was present during MeAnulty's examination, deposed to saying to the latter when he came out: ''l think they gave you a pretty rough spin." Witness had no complaint to make regarding his own examination. Colonel Ewart, giving evidence in rebuttal, denied that lie was insulting to MeAnulty, and said the reservist appeared aggrieved throughout the, examination, and his manner was antagonistic all the time. He had not reflected on the certificate given by Dr. Thacker. Samuel Cooper, reservist, Christchurch, said that when he went up for examination lie had only irecently recovered from the effects of a broken leg. He wac told to hop on one leg, and tried to do so, but it caused him pain. Ewart said to him: "I want none of your damned nonsense here! You can hop on it better than that! The legs are strong enough." Witness said he did not complain of the word ,; damn," but the officer's general offensive manner. Colonel Ewart, in evidence, said he did not remember Cooper' 3 ease at all, while Captain Lester. N.Z.M.C., who was present at the examination, deposed to hearing 110 bad language. Herbert Francis Wood, Christchurch, in evidence, alleged that Ewart had criticised the treatment prescribed for him by his doctor, which allegation Ewart denied. The court adjourned until to-morrow. Several other reservists have signified their desire to give evidence about the conduct of the Medical Boards in Canterbury.