STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS

Evening Star, Issue 17033, 2 May 1919, Page 4

STRANDED NEW ZEALANDERS

INFLUENZA EMBARGO TO STAND. TILL MORE EFFECTIVE QUARANTINE STATIONS PROVIDED. THE MINISTER FIRM. [Pan United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, May 2. Referring to the coibJ© from Sydney stating that stranded Now Zealanders wore dissatisfied at what they claimed to be discrimination in allowing soldiers and munition workers to return to New Zealand, while civilians were debarred, the Hon. Q. W. Russell said ho was e update ed at the statement, es no Ministerial authority hud boon given for the relaxation of the embargo. While appreciating the work of the scadiem and_ munition workers, he could not differentiate between different classes of the community. If tlie Health Department had cabled permission it was done on its own responsibility, and the matter would bo inquired into. Ho (the Minister) hod received information from Wellington that a small body of soldiers were en route for New Zealand, but no consent had been given by the Defence Department for the transfer of munition workers. Until there were more effective quarantine stations the embargo would be rigidly enforced. With regard to stranded Now Zealanders, the Minister said a cable message had been forwarded to the Government agent at Sydney authorising Mm to make the necessary advances tor their maintenance.