SIXTY-FIVE ON ONE TRANSPORT

Grey River Argus, 18 September 1918, Page 3

SIXTY-FIVE ON ONE TRANSPORT

(Per Press Association..)

WELLINGTON, Semtember 17

Sir James Allen reports that as the result of an outbreak of influenza on a transport conveying the 40th Reinforcements, 65 deaths occurred at sea hnd nine after landing.

DEFENCE MINISTER'S

STATEMENT,

ORIGIN OF OURREAK A MYSTERY

W r HOLE CONVOY AFFECTED

INFLUENZA, PNEUMONIA AND

BRONCHITIS

WELLINGTON, September 17

Sir James Allen stated to-day that ho deeply regretted the deaths caused by the epedemic of influenza among the Fortieth Reinforcements. The list showed that 65 men had died at sea, and nine died later on. There are also considerable numbers still sick. He had cabled for fuller information. All that was known at present was that when the ship called at a distant port, a message reporting "health good" was received here, r,rd that was the last port of call (so far as was known) till the ship reached the United Kingdom. He was not aware that the vessel had touched at any other port in the continuation of the voyage, but it was quite certain that the epidemic courd not have had its origin from any condition prevailing at the time of departure from New Zealand, nor when the ship was reported "health good The outbreak came from causes subsequent to that time. The deaths were due to an epidemic of influenza, with pneumonia and acute bronchitis. The epidemic was not . confined to the New Zealand transport. The whole convoy was affected. Fortunately there were two medical officers and ten nurses on the transport, so that one could anticipate that every care and attention wag given to the patients. He very greatly regretted these casualties, and expressed his deep sympathy with the next-of-kin. A reporter who enquired as to the precautions taken before a transport is used for reinforcements, was assured that every care was taken to see that the ship was thoroughly clean. The Director-General of Medical Services (Surgeon General Henderson) stated that he personally inspected the vessels, and noted any structural alterations or refitting required in the •interest of the troops. There was a thorough cleaning of the ships, so that the new troops might incur no danger of infection.