THE FORTIETHS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17904, 25 September 1918, Page 6

THE FORTIETHS.

NO OVERCROWDING ON TRANSPORT. MINISTER’S STATEMENT. [From Otra Correspondent,] WELLINGTON, September 24. A question has been raised as to whether the accommodation on the transport wlxioh carried the Fortieth Reinforcements, among whom a serious epidemio occurred, was such that if any trouble was contracted upon the voyage the risk of oontagibn would be minimised. This question was referred to tho Minister or Defence.

Sir James Allen replied that the transport was not overcrowded. The vessel carried two hundred or three hundred men fewer than it had taken on a previous voyage. The cause of the epidornio had nothing to do with overcrowding. If overcrowding had - , been the cause of the trouble it would have broken out earlier. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 24. Sir James Allen has received the following message from Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward regarding tho epidemic on a New Zealand troopship: “ Exceedingly grieved to learn of casualties from pneumonia epidemic. Please convey to parents and relatives of those members of the Expeditionary Force whose illness has terminated fatally our heartfelt sympathy and condolence. \ .