STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 252, 23 October 1919, Page 9

STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS

I . COMMITTEE AND THEIR CLAIMS. (Special to "Stir.") "WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A Public Petitions Committee returne a number of petitions to the House tc day from persons who were forced t remain in Sydney while epidemic pre cautions were ibeing rig-idly imposed l> the New Zealand health authorities. I some eases the petitioners prayed fo reimbursement of loss occasioned, an respecting theee prayers the committe recommended inquiry and consideratio by the Government. Four petitioner were munition workers, returning liom to New Zealand, and they , asked fo reimbursement of loss, and also for h I creased pay and allowances as munitio workers. The committee reommendC' that the petition of these men shoul' be favourably considered by the Govern ment. * . Mr. G. W. Russell (ex-Minister o Health) said the committee took up proper attitude in not committing itsel without further 'inquiry. The Goverr ment had refused .to compensate anyon for loss owing to influenza, and if th petitioners' cl-akna were admitted, wha would have to be done with hotel pre prietors and picture show owners, wh submitted without complaint to .th measures taken for the general interest He ventured to say that the steps taTce to prevent the flooding of New Zealan with people from an epidemic centre liv been the means of securing absolute ivr, munity from an influenza epidemic thi year. Those who were stranded in Sy<] jiey were treated with the greatest syir .pathy, advances being made for thei sustenance, but purely as advances.