Sample flow barely a trickle

Press, 28 April 1989, Page 1

Sample flow barely a trickle

By

NEIL CLARKSON

A hoax notice calling on Christchurch residents to take urine samples to their local trading banks for collection by the Canterbury Hospital Board had drawn a weak response by last evening. The notice, using a Canterbury Hospital Board letterhead, looked set to cause only a wee problem, with no trading banks reporting any response by closing time. The board’s information officer, Mr Terry Olsen, said it was uncertain how widely the notices had been distributed. They appeared, however, to be concentrated in the St Albans area. The unsigned notices said the board was undertaking dioxin testing and asked residents to take urine samples to their trading bank branch, which was acting as a collection agency. “So far there have just been a few people come forward to contact the board about it. We have contacted all the trading banks to tell them about it. “We don’t know how many people have received these notices. We are trying to nip.it in the bud before it gets out of hand,” said Mr Olsen. The notice was suspected of being a student prank. Mr Olsen said the board was unhappy about the use of its letterhead.

Meanwhile, Christchurch trading banks were awaiting a response, some with greater anticipation than others. Some banks were mistakenly advised at first to expect wine samples. It appears the unsavoury correction was slow getting through to some staff. Mr Rod Hutton, the accountant with the National Bank in Christchurch, said he was initially told to expect wine. Mr Hutton said he advised branches during the afternoon. He was unaware of any public response.

Mrs Dulcie Mackie, the assistant manager, customer services, with the Bank of New Zealand in Christchurch, said all branches would be aware of the hoax early this morning. “We are hoping Cantabrians have got a lot of common sense and will treat it as a hoax. We are treating it with the respect it deserves.” Mrs Mackie said she knew of no response.

The Christchurch personnel manager with the ANZ Bank, Mr Brian Dombroski, said an urgent telex was sent to all branches about the . hoax. “I think most members of the public would probably treat it as a hoax. Why would they want to send a urine sample to a trading bank?”