INFLUENZA ON THE NIAGRA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 81, 5 April 1919, Page 5

INFLUENZA ON THE NIAGRA

STRICT QUARANTINES OBSERVED

OUTBREAK MAINLY IN CREW’S QUARTERS. IS THERE SUFFICIENT AIRSPACE,... (United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, This Day, The Hon. G. W. Russell (Health Minister) states that as more cases of influenza on „ the Niagara ... have, been reported, it has been decided that all the members of the crew who can be removed from the ship are .‘to be pnt ashore at Motuihi Island and also the whole of the .New Zealand passengers, and as many other as accommodation can be provided, will be put on the island. The remaining passengers will be required to go, to the Island every morning and return to the ship for the evening meal and. sleeping accommodation. Instruction has also, been given that member® of the crew remaining on ibhe ship ate'to be grouped and given increased accommodation if necessary. The 'accommodation* tor second-class and ' even first-class ’ pas- 1 . sengers is to be commandeered for that purpose. ' »■ . * : The position uTTegard to the Niagara will depend to some extent as to* wbO-r tber the Westmoreland, with Maori troops on board, is declared, a clean; ship on arrival. Wireless Tnessages'.indicate that she is So as present, but no definite conclusion can be come to until the health officers inspect the crew and passengers on arrival at Auckland, The, above conveys the decision of tre Chief Health Officer (Dr.Valintino) I which was submitted to the Minister] and approved, by him. ’ I The Minister added that the fact i that as on this ocacsion and on pro- ; vious occasion in October ..the .disease i ia confined almost exclusively to the quarter occupied by . the crew, . indu cates that this was the “danger” part of the. ship. v. .. ./ ■■ > Health officers have been instructed that very careful enquiry is to bo made as to the accommodation : the crew, and that if necessary .the Assistance of the Marine Department is to be sought in order that a definite decision on scientific grounds may be obtained as to whether , the accommodation provided is adequate,! in view of the fact that epidemics are in the air. Late ■ /this • afternoon- Mr Russell informed a Post reporter that a telegram had been received from Auckland .inditha£, nine more ; cases of infliienjsa had on th» Niagara, making the total 33w , ' j AUUKLANL, Thia Day. A watersiders’ meeting passed a,; resolution not to work the Niagara until seven days after - the. dast pf- jint uenza, , 'lhey ask the authorities not to berth the vessel earlier, ,tm <