SHIP PRATIQUE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 97, 27 April 1938, Page 8

SHIP PRATIQUE.

HEALTH BAN LIFTED.

CLEARANCES AT WHARVES. WANG AN ELLA'S EXPERIENCE. The first vessel affected by the health restrictions imposed two months ago on passenger ships arriving from Sydney, the intercolonial liner Wanganella, of the Huddart-Parker Line, was also the first to see the bail lifted when she reached port this morning from Australia. In order to prevent the possibility of a recurrence of the infantile paraiysis epidemic which travelled through the length of New Zealand and swept southeastern Australia, the health authorities decreed that all inbound passenger ships from Sydney should anchor in the stream for pratique before proceeding to a berth. The Wanganella. arriving on February 26 with a full list, including many visitors for the Catholic centenary celebrations, was the first arrival to come under the restriction.

On arrival this morning she came directly alongside west Prince's wharf, slowing down in the harbour only to admit aboard Customs and other port officials. Dr. E. Vivian cleared the ship, and in a very short time contact between ship and shore was established. This was in marked contrast to the lengthy delaiys in the stream which have characterised the arrival of some transTasman shipping recently. In future all passenger ships from Australia will be given medical clearance from the wharf, as the epidemic is officially past.

During the crossing the Wanganella was favoured with splendid, sunny weather, and glassy seas, which enabled the ship to keep schedule to the minute. The ship has had excellent weather since she left Wellington on April 15 during the height of the nor'-west gale, which was responsible for a collision between H.M.S. Achilles and the inter-island steamer Rangitira.