"NO VISITORS"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 109, 10 May 1941, Page 8

"NO VISITORS"

Although not a single case of spinal meningitis has been reported from any place as far south even as Whangarei, the Auckland Public Hospital has been closed to visitors. The closure no doubt caused disappointment and distress to a large number of people, as well as surprise, which would not have been felt had there been a case of meningitis in Auckland. But reflection must convince them, and the community as a whole, that the action taken by the chairman of the Hospital Board. Mr. Allan J. Moody, was one of far-sighted prudence. Better a thousand, or ten thousand, disappointed relatives than one case of meningitis innocently introduced into a crowded hospital. Mr. Moody's statement makes it clear that his action was not taken because of anything that the public does not know—for the cases in the North are being reported as they occur—but that it is an action of defence against a danger which may never come to our doors. On that ground it deserves commendation as highly as the many actions of defence which we have taken, and must continue to take, against human enemies who may never come to our shores.