KEEPING INFLUENZA OUT OF THE ISLANDS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6889, 20 April 1929, Page 8

KEEPING INFLUENZA OUT OF THE ISLANDS

Precautions on Maui Pomare _ i DAILY MEDICAL REPORT RECEIVED FROM VESSEL TO CALL AT NIUE AND APIA. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Tho following statement was made by Mir Joseph Ward to-day regarding the crow of Maui Pomare:— “Arising out of the recent departure of the government vossol Maui Pomaro from Auckland for Niue and Samoa, fears havo been expressed in certain quarters as to the danger of carrying influenza infection to tho Islands at which the vessel calls. I need hardly state every precaution has been taken by the authorities of tho Health department to obviato the slightest possibility of anything of tho kind occurring. All passengers and members of the crew were medically examined in the stream before Maui Pomaro sailed and several passengers showing a slight riso in temperature above normal were disembarked.

“As an extra precautionary moasuro a daily report has been received from the medical ofacer who is accompanying the ship and no sign suspicious of influenza has been reportod. Today’s report says the health of all on board is considered excellent.” Sir Joseph Ward says the Commissioner of Nino Island reportod a number of cases of influenza there but the native labour gang which is to work Maui Pomaro has been segregated and should any influenza arise amongst them, the ship will proceed direct to Samoa, without pratique being granted. Tho Niue government is keeping the closest watch. There is not tho slightest need at present for uneasiness. Should anything unforseen occur between now and the time of tho vessel s arrival at the Islands, prompt action will bo taken further to safeguard any possibility of the spreading of infection to the Islands.