BERI BERI OR SCURVY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 145, 19 June 1906, Page 4

BERI BERI OR SCURVY.

A STRICKEN CREW. DEATH OF AN OFFICER NORWEGIAN BARQUE AT MANGONCI. The Norwegian barque Agda anchored in Doubtless Bay on Saturday afternoon last, and when communication had been established with the ship, it was ascertained on shore that the second mate had succumbed to a serious illness, and that the captain and some of the crew were also sick.

A telegram received by the Collector of Customs at Auckland from the department's official at Mangonui gives the following details: "The Norwegian barque Agda (Capt.C. Lversen), 81 days out from Parrahyba, South America, to Tonga, in ballast, put into Doubtless Bay on the afternoon of the 16th inst. The captain reports that the second mate died sis days ago, and that he, himself, and the crew are in a very low state of health. Dr. Forbes and myself boarded the vessel on Sunday evening. The doctor found the captain and crew in a scorbutic condition, with great weakness and swelling of lower limbs, due to want of fresh vegetables. The vessel will not he able to resume her voyage under ten days."

Mr. K. St. Clair,, the Vice-Consul at Auckland for Norway, wired to the master of the barque inquiring as to his condition, and also wrote suggesting that the vessel should come to Auckland as soon as possible, where better arrangements could be made for the continuance of the voyage, and a better opportunity given to the men to regain thei; health.

Capt. lversen replied a.s follows: "Self and four men sick, one man very bad. Unable to leave here at present. Have cabled owsers."

The Health Department has been advised of the above facts, but from the information supplied.it is not quite clear as to whether the men are suffering from beriberi or scurvy, and in order to diagnose accurately, and give the men proper attention, the resident health officer (Dr. Frengley) and the Customs are endeavouring to have the vessel brought on to Auckland. It is stated that beriberi is not infectious, but scurw is infectious.