RELIEF FOR SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 June 1919, Page 5

RELIEF FOR SOLDIERS.

SUFFERING FROM TUBERCULOSIS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Niglt. A deputation from patriotic and Red Cross societies waited on Sir James Allen, and asked if special assistance could be given to a number of returned soldiers now suffering from tuberculosis. It was stated that even the full pension was insufficient to provide their needs in certain cases. It was suggested that the - pension to tubercular patients should be increased. A number of cases were quoted showing that patriotic societies had been called upon to provide relief. The deputation asked for a scheme to be evolved whereby extra sanatoria accommodation would be provided. In reply, Sir James Allen said tho policy in regard to incurable cases had not been definitely settled. He was opposed to placing all tubercular men in one large institution in each island. Eij preferred to see annexes to civil hospitals established, so that the men could be near their homes. The Director-Gen-eral of Medical Services had appointed two medical officers to go through the Dominion for the purpose of examining all outpatient soldiers, and, where possible, men who had been discharged. If any were found to have the disease lie hoped to send them to the hospitals to be cured. He detailed the extra sanatoria accommodation that was being provided. In regard to the suggestion to increase pensions, he said that if a soldier was totally incapacitated he received a full pension, and, in special circumstances, something in addition.