OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 October 1943, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

MEDICAL EXAMINATION (To the Editor) Sir,—At present, men on furlough from the Middle East are being medically examined, the idea of this so-called examination being to decide whether or not these men will return overseas. We, several of us, were supposed to have been examined. Firstly, we am swered a list of questions and were weighed, measured, etc. Then our eyes were given a really thorough overhaul, after which we went before, the Medical Board when virtually nothing was done. Any matter that seemed to require investigation didn’t appear to occasion much interest. We were not required to strip, so a man with a wooden leg could possibly have been classed Grade 1. Blood pressure was checked, shirts were pulled up to allow a few seconds work with the stethoscope, presumably a heart test. We were then asked to wait outside and expected to be taken in again and examined properly. But no, it was only to be told that we were Grade 1 and would we proceed later to the hospital for an X-ray photo. Perhaps we will be told the results of the X-ray, perhaps not. And that, Mr Editor, is a medical examination. What do you think?—We are, etc., DISGUSTED GRADE-ONE-RS. Masterton, October 20.