AUCKLAND PLAGUE CASE.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 290, 13 June 1907, Page 2

AUCKLAND PLAGUE CASE.

fIPEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.! Auckland, June 12. A deputation from the Women's Political League and Women's Christian Temperance Union waited upou the Hon. G. Fowlds with reference to the death of Miss McMillan, of Parnell. Mrs Daldy, who introduced the matter, said that Miss McMillan's death had given rise to grave comment, and they were of the opinion that an inquiry should be held to make it clear what really was the cause of death. No one had given any reason why she was taken to the hospital against her own wishes and those of her friends. They asked for an inquiry to satisfy everyone as to whether the treatment she received was necessary or not. Miss McMillan, elder sister of the deceased, gave the Minister the history of .the case. Dr. Purdy, Health Officer, was present, and said that death was due to plague. Though it took place in Auckland on the way to the hospital, he quite admitted the treatment she had received unfortunately hastened her end. Miss McMillan asked, 4re plague patients always left to themselves without- anything being done .for them? Are they allowed to die? If you or a nurse had come she, would have gone to the hospital willingly. I think it was a most cruel thing to send her by herself, and she should have had further treatment. Mr Fowlds said that steps must be taken to prevent anything of the kind occurring again in the future, i The department had no objection to an inquiry, but that could do no good. The evidence was clear as to the cause of death, and the faots as to her removal to the hospital were clear and admitted. They did not deny that Miss McMillan went alone in an ambulance to the hospital, and that she died while in the ambulance. Miss McMillan retorted, "She died from fear; nothing else but fright." Dr. Purdy replied, 'That would not cause the post mortem appearance we saw. I quite admit that going alone to the hospital must have hastened her end." Miss McMillan asked : "Do all plague patients die?" Dr. Purdy: "No; about one in three. We have had five cases under observation since Miss . McMillan's death, but they have been proved to be only cases of suspicion." The deputation then withdrew.