LOCAL AUTHORITIES WAKING UP.

Feilding Star, 17 May 1907, Page 2

LOCAL AUTHORITIES WAKING UP.

Auckland, May 16. In connection with the two deaths of young women employed in a Queen street establishment, near the wharves, from what is described as acute septicaemea, Dr. Purdy, District Health Officer, has had a thorough cleansing ana disinfecting of the premises carried out. The Mayor, Mr A. M. Myersl is giving every assistance, and has plaoed at Dr. Purdy's disposal the whole sanitary staff. Additional men have been engaged, and a special sanitary fang formed. After these promises aye been dealt with, all others in the neighbourhood will be inspected ' and cleansed. Inspection is being made, and a general cleansing process carried out in all warehouses near the wharves and harbour front, and the chairmen of all local bodies have been asked to institute a house-to-house inspection. At ths same time, an euergjetir campaign is being conducted against rats. Wellington. May% 16. Referring to the suspicious deaths at Auckland, the Minister for Public Health stated that nothing definite was jet known as to the exact nature of the disease. Specimens had been sent to the Bacteriologist, who was now engaged in making an investigation. "Is there any ground for,supposing it ie an outbreak of plague P" the Minister was asked. "All I oan say at present is that both oases are very sospioioas," he replied, "an<| every precaution is being taken to have contacts isolated and the premises where £he girls worked and lived have been quarantined." The Chief Health Officer (Dr. Mason) is away at Greymouth, and cannot reach Wellington before Saturday evening. Immediately on his arrival he will proceed to Auckland to make an investigation.