EPIDEMIC COMMISSION

Evening Star, Issue 16990, 12 March 1919, Page 4

EPIDEMIC COMMISSION

[Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON. March _ 12. At today's fitting of 'the Commission. Caotain Mnnro, traffic manager for the Wellington Harbor Board, said that when, tho epidemic was rife in Auckland all sheds and wharves were disinfected nnd an inhalation chamber erected through which 54,000 psople passed. Free disinfectant and gargle, were supplird to waterside workers. About November 12 a health committee was set up, and disinfected crews' quarters and holds of vessels. A clearing station was established on the wharf, and sufferers from ships were sent there to be dealt with by the doctors. This ho considered to bo onf of tho best things done. All tho men hud to pass through inhalation chambers going to and coming from their work. Mr Munro said tho crews' quarters in some ships wore very bad indeed, but there had been considerable improvement in tho majority of the vessels since. One of the worst things was ihe provision of bunk boards, which he thought should bo substituted by iron panels, which could be easily lifted in and out. Men who accompanied the ambulance should be first aid men. More men should bo encouraged to pass first aid examinations. If a number of such qualified men were told oil to various districts and given a retaining fee they could bo mobilised at any time. This would prove of immense benefit in stamping out an outbreak. He suggested the retention of an Epidemic Committee on a voluntary basis, with a certain amount of drugs and plant, so as to be ready to act in case, of emergency.