REPLY TO PRESS DELEGATION

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 137, 6 December 1918, Page 10

REPLY TO PRESS DELEGATION

AUCKLAND, sth December. The complaints by the Press delegation regarding the Makura were referred to the Health authorities. Regarding the statement that no official intimation was given of the intention to place the passengers under quarantine, it was stated that before the officers of the Department left the ship on Sunday they informed the captain that the vessel was to be quarantined un|il further notice. Fumigation apparatus was left on board on Sunday, and the medical officer of the ship was advised that passengers and crew should be treated by inhalation. The Union Company was asked to provide inhalation .nozzles, and these were sent down last Monday, with instructions ■as to their use. Having regard, to the fact that the ship's doctor had taken temperature and pulse readings prior to the Makura reaching Auckland, ihe authorities state' that it was 'riot "necessary to examine the patients individually. The ship's doctor acquainted the Department's officers with the state of health of those on board. Dr. T. J. Hughes, the district health officer, visited the ship on Tuesday and again yesterday. In regard to the non-removal of passengers, the authorities state that the prisoners of war had first to' be removed, and that as soon as the buildings can be properly equipped the passengers will be landed as promptj ly as possible.