MAUI POMARE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 175, 20 April 1929, Page 10

MAUI POMARE

OUTBREAK OF INFLUENZA ■ ® PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INFECTION “Arising- out of the recent departure of the Government vessel Maui Pomare from Auckland for Niue and Samoa,” said the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) yesterday, “fears have been expressed in certain quarters as to the danger of carrying the influenza infection to the Islands at which the vessel calls. I need hardly state that every precaution has been taken by the authorities of the Health Department to obviate the slightest possibility Of anything of the kind occurring. “All members of the native crew who contracted influenza in Auckland were detained in that port and were not permitted to rejoin the vessel before she sailed. All passengers and members of the crew were medically examined in the stream at Auckland x before the Maui Pomare sailed, and several passengers showing a slight rise in temperature above normal were disembarked, as an extra precautionary measure. “Arrangements were also made for a medical officer of the Health Department to accompany the ship on the voyage, and instructions were given to him to report daily on the health of all on board. A daily report has been received since the vessel left Auckland, and no sign suspicious of influ enza has been reported. As a matter of fact, the report received this morning read as follows: ‘Health of all on board continues excellent since leaving.’ “I may further add that the Resident Commissioner at Niue, under date 17th instant, advises that there are a number of cases of influenza amongst the natives at Niue, but that the native labour gang to work the ship there has been placed in segregation, and should any sickness arise amongst them the ship will proceed direct to Samoa without pratique being granted at Niue.” “It will be seen, therefore,” said Sir Joseph Ward, “that the Government is keeping the closest watch in connection with this matter and that there is not the slightest need at present for • any uneasiness. Should, however, anything unforeseen occur between now and the vessel’s arrival at Island ports, prompt action will be taken to further safeguard any possibility of spreading the infection in the Islands.”