FOOD POISONING

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 November 1939, Page 3

FOOD POISONING

PAPAKURA CAMP CASES. [PER press association.] AUCKLAND, November 19. Thirty-eight members of the Second New Zealand Division now in camp at Papakura were sent to hospital on Saturday suffering from food poisoning. Three" were affected while on leave and were taken to the Auckland Hospital, where they were joined by two of those at Papakura. The remainder were treated at the camp hospital. The food eaten at the midday mess is blamed for the poisoning, although it is not yet certain which portion of the menu was at fault. Samples were taken of everything served, and after being received by Dr. Hubert Smith, Medical Officer of Health for the Health Department in Auckland, were sqnt to the Auckland Hospital for analysis. Results of tests are not known.

It is stated that the troops were given a choice of hot mutton and beef and cold corned beef, with potatoes and cabbage for vegetables, and tapioca for sweet. The corned beef was left over from the mess on Friday night and it is suspected that some of it became tainted, especially since the store where it was kept is not fitted with a refrigerator, and the weather was hot and close.

Of the troops affected 16 belonged to A company, 18th (Auckland) Battalion, and the remander were spread among other companies and units. At least six of the guard for the day also suffered poisoning. The three on leave who were taken to the Auckland Hospital did not feel the effects of poisoning until after they reached the city. One was found crouched on the doorstep of a suburban house and was in considerable pain. The two who were brought into the city from the camp were more seriously affected than the rest, who were kept in the camp hospital for the night and discharged for duty to-day It was officially stated that the poisoning was not in a severe form. Bull steps were being taken to ensure that there would be no repetition of the occurrence.