TWO SUSPECTS SENT HOME

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25366, 13 December 1947, Page 8

TWO SUSPECTS SENT HOME

NO POSITIVE CASES IN CANTERBURY

Two of the three suspected cases of infantile paralysis in the CanterburyWest Coast health district have been proved negative, and the patients have been discharged to their homes, and tests in the third case have all so far proved negative. The two patients who have been discharged are a boy aged six years and a half, of Christchurch, and a girl aged 14, who was a patient in the Greymouth Hospital. The patient still under observation in the Christchurch Public Hospital is an adult. *■

When a letter drawing attention to the lack of restriction on race meetings and cinemas, published in “The Press” on Thursday, was referred to the Medical Officer of Health. Dr. J H. Blakelock, he said that he had no authority to forbid any gatherings except to persons under 16 He could not say if any such restriction was likely to be enforced.

It had been reported to the department that children under 16 were being employed in shops. Dr. Blakelock said. That was definitely contrary to the order which had been issued. The order prohibited the employment of children in shops in any capacity in which they were likely to come into contact with the public. Yesterday officers of the Health Department were kept busy dealing with a large number jf applications for permits for children to travel.

Dr. Blakelock said yesterday that the consultation fees of the special panel of fiv .• doctors set up to assist general Eractitioners in diagnosing cases would e paid by the Health Department.