THE MAKURA

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 139, 9 December 1918, Page 7

THE MAKURA

RELEASE OF PASSENGERS DR. VAUNTINE'S STATEMENT ALL PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. (IT TSLBORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, This Day. Unexpected developments took place yesterday in connection with the quarantining of the s.s. Makura. Practically the whole of the New Zealand passengers were brought to Auckland and allowed to go to their homes or hotels. Passengers for south of Auckland joined the Main Trunk train at Penrose Junction in the evening. Among those who remained on the island were Professor F. -D. Brown and his two daughters. Professor Brown decided to remain at Motuihi, pending arrangements as to his fnture movements. The Makura was allowed to leave for Sydney at 1.25 p.m. No cargo was unloaded. Dr. Valintine, prior to his departure for Wellington last evening, said that ten passengers, som« of whom werecontacts, and others suspicious cases, had been detained at Motuihi. He was convinced that the other New Zealand passengers released had noE come into contact with any sickness on board' since quarantine was first established on the Makura-on Ist December. He therefore felt justified in releasing the passengers. Dr. Valinline said further that all luggage had been fumigated and the passengers were required to pass through an inhalation chamber on. the steamer Lady Roberts. All precautions necessary to safeguard the public health had been taken. One passenger detained on the island was Mr. T. G. Russell, brother of the Hon. 6. W. Russell. There were 38 patients from the Makura in isolation at Motuihi. Of this number one case was regarded as dangerous and eight as serious. The remaining 29 were mild cases. Nine who were charted a« dangerous and serious had pneu-, monic complications. Major Pettit was in charge. He had been invested with all, powers of a District Health Officer. .

In regard to the Maknra, Dr. Valintine said he considered there was now no justification for keeping her longer. In addition to the ship's doctor there were three prominent Australian military doctors on board. He anticipated the Makura would he detained in quarantine on arrival at Sydney.