THE NIAGARA.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 210, 4 September 1919, Page 7

THE NIAGARA.

WATERSIDERS "DISSATISFIED

WITH QUARANTINE METHODS.

The Niagara will not be worked by the Auckland watersiders until Tuesday next. That was the conclusion 500 of the members came to at a stop-work meeting held at midday to-day, when all hands decided to carry on "along the same lines as with other steamers that have happened to arrive latterly in' this port with cases of infectious disease aboard. That means that no cargo will be handled till seven clear days have elapsed since "the last patient or" contact was removed. The union asks for an independent doctor to view the cases in quarantine on Motuihi. Waterside Union officials declare that at the present time n.o medical man apart from the Port Health Officer or a doctor from the Department is permitted on the island, and this they think should not be the ccse.

The grievance they have with the Health Department depends entirely on the attitude of that Government office towards them. The union would like official information from the Health office as to what measures were being taken, as the members come most directly in contact with infected ships. DEPARTMENT'S VIEW. Other views on the subject come from Dr. Monk, Acting District Health Officer, who this morning considered that the situation was rather ludicrous. The local oflice had clear instructions. These had been passed on to the port health officer, the work had been done, and there was no spread of influenza from the boat. Ho could not see any reason why he should give information to the watersiders or any other organisation.

Dr, Monk reported good progress made by the patient and-the two contacts on the island.