CAMP SICKNESS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 33, 18 November 1939, Page 7

CAMP SICKNESS

DENIAL OF ALLEGATIONS. MINISTER GIVES FIGURES. (Per Press Association 4 DUNEDIN, November 17. An emphatic denial of a statement by a correspondent of the “ Otago Daily Times” that at present approximately 0110-third of the men in training at the Burnham military camp were sick was given in an interview to-day by the Minister for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), who challenged the correspondent to prove that statement, as well as his allegation that there had been several deaths. The only death that had occurred had been caused by peritonitis, and was in no way connected with the epidemic in the camps.

Figures covering sickness at all camps where men for the Special Force were being .trained were quoted by the Minister, who said that they covered the position at November 15, and had been supplied to him by the DirectorGeneral of Medical Services (Lieuten-ant-Colonel G. T. Bowerbank). These were as follows: Christchurch Hospital— Remaining in 90 In convalescent hospital 67 Burnham— Reported sick 82 Admitted to camp hospital ... 14 Transferred f. 5 Remaining 32 Auckland Hospital— Remaining in 215 In convalescent hospital -

Papakura— Reported sick 66 Admitted to camp hospital .... 8 Transferred - 24 Remaining 5 Ngaruawahia— Reported - sick 39 Admitted to camp hospital .1. 2 Transferred 7 Remaining 22 * Waikato Hospital— Remaining in 63 In convalescent hospital ....... - Trentham— Reported sick 140 Admitted to camp hospital ... 9 Transferred 37 Remaining 20 Wellington Hospital— Remaining in 129 In convalescent hospital ...... 21 “The correspondent of the c Otago Daily Times ’ made the statement that 700 men from Burnham were laid up this week,” Mr Jones said. “I challenge him to prove that, and also the more serious allegation that there have been several deaths at the camp or in the Christchurch Hospital. These statements have caused a great deal of concern to the parents of the men in training for the Special Force, and while the correspondent may wish to criticise the Government he should at least have some consideration for the parents of all men who have enlisted for the Special Force. “Only one death has been reported, and that was caused by peritonitis. The trouble developed soon after the man came into camp. There have been no deaths as a result of the epidemic of sickness that has been experienced.”