SMALL POX OR CHICKEN POX.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 584, 12 July 1913, Page 5

SMALL POX OR CHICKEN POX.

♦ OUTBREAK AT OTOROHANGA. APPLICANTS FOR VACINATION. SHORT LYMPH SUPPLY. Matters in connection with the outbreak of disease among the Maoris have developed, and it is practically certain the disease is a mild form of small pox. Vigorous steps are being taken by the Health Department to combat the epidemic but there can be no doubt it has obtained a very firm footingi n the Auckland province. Three cases have been located at Otorohanga, where a woman, a girl, and a little child have been found Buffering. Dr Zobel on behalf of the Health Department, proceeded to Otorohanga on Friday and inspected the Maori pah, where a tangi was in progress. The three cases were at once pronounced by the doctor to be chicken pox or small pox, and steps were taken to isolate thw pah. Inpsector Calderwood, of the Health Department, was left in charge of the isolation camp, and the utmost care will be taken to render the isolation complete. A large party of Maoris are expected to arrive at the tangi today, and these will be confined in the isolation camp upon arrival. There have been many applications for vaccination up to the present, but the supply ,of lymph, of which Dr Zobel was advised some days ago, has not yet arrived. It is expected to reach Te Kuiti from Auckland today.

In conection with the cases the following wire was yesterday forwarded to the Prime Minister by Mr J.. Boddie, Mayor of Te Kuiti: — "Health Officer and doctors discovered three distinct cases of small pox at large tangi at Otorohanga today. Strongly protest against Maoris being allowed to travel on railway, otherwise disease will spread over whole district, and become very serious. Europeans clamouring in hundreds for vaccination, but Health Departmenthave not provided any lymph for public vaccinator. Kindly see that'prompt steps are taken to prevent spread of disease." —James Boddie, Mayor. The following replies have been received from the Prime Minister, Mr Wilson, and Dr Valentine. J.. Boddie, Esq "Your telegram received. Government have arranged for supply o£ lymph to be forwarded by to-night's train from Auckland and for a medical man on behalf of the Health Department to visit the district within the next day or so." —W. F. Maasey. J. Boddie, Esq.—"Mr Rhodes made a statement to the House that every precaution is being taken. Kind regards."—C. K. Wilson-. J.Boddie, Esq.—"lnstructions given medical officer to visit Otorohanga immediately, and take necessary steps to prevent spread of lisease. Vaccine being forwarded by to-night's mail from Auckland." —Valentine.

THE DISEASE IN WAIKATO. FRESH CASES REPORTED. Auckland, Thi) Day. Four further caseß of the disease are reported at the Maori settlement at Kiwitahi, one being regarded as serious; while another case is reported at Waharoa. Vaccination has been ordered in each case. DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT. STATEMENT BY PREMIER. Wellington, This Day. The Minister of Health made a statement concerning the precaution taken to prevent the spread of the small pox epidemic. One definite case had been reported at Te Awamutu. The Premier said there was no necessity for a panic. It might be necessary to insist upon passengers from north to south being vaccinated. Restrictions had beep placed on Maoris travelling from infected areas without having a certificate from the health officer. He hoped the people would stand by the Government in the efforts to stamp out the epidemic.