STATEMENT BY DEFENCE MINISTER.

Grey River Argus, 19 September 1918, Page 3

STATEMENT BY DEFENCE MINISTER.

INFORMATION BEING SOUGHT,

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, September 18 The Acting Premier stated to-day that telegrams had be.en received by him enquiring whether iho ncxt - o± '- s kin of those members of the 40th Reinforcements reported dead from sickness had been advised before the names were given to the press. Ali the next-of-kin had been advised 24 hours before publication. The names of those si ill sick liad not been sent, because reports on these cases had not yet been received. A question had also been raised as to the measures that might be taken to protect subsequent reinforcements going by the same route as the 40ths traversed. Sir James Allen . remarked that an enquiry as to the origliv of tietrouble was begun immediately the news was received, with the view of taking, any action which might help to safeguard troops in future. Ho, thought that little could be done with the ships, but it might be desirable to prevent later drafts going ashore at certain poris where there might be risk of dangerous infection, but the Department, would wait for *\ report before taking any action. The 41st Reinforcements, who went by the same route, were reported "Health good," : at a port of call on the 11th September. Similar reports had been received from -ports of call in regard to the 42nds (6th September) and the 43rds (31st August.)