THE SMALLPOX TROUBLE.

Evening Star, Issue 11893, 22 May 1903, Page 4

THE SMALLPOX TROUBLE.

Bell continues to moke satisfactory progress at Quail Island, Lyttelton. In consequence of various difficulties in dealing with the Lyttelton cargo of the Gracchus in the manner originaJy suggested, it has been disinfected, landed at the end of the Gladstone pier, and stored there in the open. Further action in regard to it will depend on whether or not there is any outbreak of smallpox among the stevedores who handled the cargo ot the Gracchus at the ports at which she touched —namely, Melbourne, Port Chalmers, ana Timaru. The cargo was not worked by the steamer's crew, but exclusively by lumpers at all these places. Dr Valentine has decided that after the Gracchus has been thoroughly disinfected she may be berthed at the wharf by a scratch crew and take in the cargo to be shipped at Lyttelton. When this has been done she is to return to the quarantine ground, where those members of her company who are certified as healthy may return to the vessel, which will then be at liberty to proceed to her destination (Durban). The Talune has been placed in quarantine at Auckland for twenty-four hours, having cargo from the Gracchus on board from Calcutta. Another case of smorpox has' been discovp;ed in Victoria, the sufferer being Mrs Dwan, who resides in Litt.e Bend go. Her husband returned by the Gracchru Although the Zealandia was detained at Dunedin in-order to get the corn sacks per Gracchus out of her hold, the same bags were permitted to be stacked on the wharf, and left there all day yesterday, where youngsters were to be seen scampering over* the condemned cargo. Dr Ogston, Health Officer at Dnnedin, has received advice that 100 tubes of lymph were on their way from Wellington, with more to follow. AUCKLAND, May 22. The Talune was berthed at the wharf this morning. Her cargo ex Gracchus was isolated, and the lumpers vaccinated. NEW PLYMOUTH, May 22. Among the cargo ex Gracchus was a large consignment of tapioca for Burges, Fraser, and Co. This arrived by the Upolu to-day, and the consignees declined to allow it to be landed. They are endeavoring to dispose of it out of the colony, but if unable to do so will throw it overboard rather than allow it to be landed here.