A SUSPICIOUS CASE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 22 April 1907, Page 2

A SUSPICIOUS CASE.

INDICATIONS OF PLAGUE. H.M.S. POWERFUL QUARANTINED

[United Pnsss Association.]

LYTTELTON, Saturday. A suspicious case of illness has occurred on board H.M.S. Powerful, the Flagship of the Australian Squadron, lying at anchor in the stream off Camp Bay, near Lyttelton. William Bridger, the canteen manager, arrived from Sydney by the s.s. Maheno and came to Lyttelton on Thursday by the s.s. Mararoa. He complained of being unwell, and was placed on the sick list. Yesterday Dr Upham, the Port Health Officer, went on board the Powerful and examined Bridger, when he found suspicious symptoms, which Dr Upham states may indicate plague, but again it may be only influenza. He at once quarantined H.M.S. Powerful, and all leave was stopped, and visitors were not allowed on board. Dr Upham at once communicated with Dr Finch, the District Health Officer, who was to visit H.M.S. Powerful this afternoon to examine the patient. A conference had been held between the Lytelton Harbour Board members and Captain Halsey, of H:M:S : Powerful, with reference to bringing the vessel alongside the wharf during the remainder of her stay in port, and it was understood this was to have been done, but now, in view of Bridger's case, the Powerful, being quarantined, will have to remain in the stream. LYTTELTON, Monday. Drs Finch and Upham visited the suspected case on H.M.S. Powerful this morning. Dr. Finch states that the position is somewhat more satisfactory, though he cannot say the case is not plague, the patient is better, and is is not considered necessary to send him to the quarantine station at present. He will be kept isolated on board the vessel which will remain in quarantine.