MAORI EPIDEMIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15358, 21 July 1913, Page 8

MAORI EPIDEMIC.

SEVEN ADDITIONAL CASES.

IX CITY AND SUBURBS.

ONE EUROPEAN PATIENT

VACCINATORS STILL BUSY

POSITION IX THE COUNTRY.

WELLINGTON'S PATIENT. MR. REED, M.P., ISOLATED. Seven fresh cases of the prevailing disease were discovered in the city and suburbs and neighbouring districts during Saturday and Sunday, all the patients, with the exception of one. being Maoris. Each patient was sent to the isolation hospital at Point Chevalier, where there are now 38 persons. Dr. Frengley considers that these are suffering from smallpox. Of the fresh cases three were located at Onehunga and Mangere. three in the city, and one (the European case) at Parnell. One of the Maoris found to be infected with the disease was discovered by the inspector (Mr. Furuiss) of the Public Health Department, walking down Queen Street on Saturday morning. He was taken immediately to the Health Department's office, and was subsequently driven out to the isolation hospital. Six cases of suspected smallpox in I separate localities were visited by Dr. ! Monk (district health officer) on Saturday i morning, but the evidence brought before | him satisfied the officer that the suspicions held were unfounded, and that the patients were suffering from other simple complaints. Several reports have been received from the country districts, for the most part with regard to chickenpox. The I school teacher at Awakanae, in the Awakino district, reported two cases oi chickenpox on Saturday, while a ease has been reported from Waikaka, near Thames. Cases have also been reported from Te Teko and Pungapunga. The native settlements in the Huntly district have been visited by Dr. Douglas (of the Hamilton Hospital), accompanied jby the inspector (Mr. Bennett). He J found eight, rather severe cases, pro- • nounced to be smallpox in character, as | well as other cases of a mild type. Owing I to yesterday being Sunday very little acj tional news came through from the coun- ! try districts. The complaints of people in the country i districts that natives noticeably affected ! by a pock complaint have been allowed to | travel because they possess certificates of j vaccination, have been considered by the j local authorities. The health officer is ! awaiting instructions from headquarters as j to what action he should take to meet the j difficulty During the past week Dr. Moir has ! vaccinated a large number of the members jcf the City Council staff. He was busy : with the outdoor men each evening I throughout the week, while on Friday he attended a large number of the indoor

staff. Numbers of people are still waiting upon the doctors to be vaccinated, and the doctors in turn are making frequent requests to the Health Department for fresh supplies of lymph.

THE WELLINGTON CASE.

IN AN M.P.'S HOUSEHOLD,

OCCUPANTS ALL ISOLATED. [-RX TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL COBKESrOXDENT.] - Wellington, Sunday. The patient who has been placed in the isolation ward at the Wellington Hospital, as suffering from the prevailing epidemic, or what is commonly spoken of as a mild case of smallpox, is a European maid, in the employment of -Mr. Vernon Reed, M.P. for the Bay of Islands. The patient, who recently arrived from Kaiwakawaka, is reported 'to be making favourable progress. When the sickness was discovered, Mr. Reed and the members of his household at once took steps to isolate themselves, and all were immediately vacei nated. In order to make assurance doubly sure, the authorities have placed policemen on duty in front of the residence in Hobson Street (Thorndon), day and night, in order to see that no person enters or leaves the house. Arrangements -have been made for food supplies to reach the inmates without the persons delivering the supplies coming into communication. The general practice with regard to isolation, it is understood, is to treat all houses and families alike. No one is allowed to come out of the house so as to mingle with other people in the streets, and no one is allowed to go in. If they do, they stop in until such time as they are permitted by the health authority to go out and mix with, the rest of the world.

■It was ascertained by telephone this afternoon that Mr. Reed and all members of the household are in excellent health. The vaccinations in each case are proving to be successful, and it is expected that the period of isolation will be over in two or three days, in fact, Mr. Reed says that he expects to be back in his place in the House during the coming week. Several members of Parliament and others engaged in the Parliamentary buildings, including half-a-dozen members of the press gallery, were vaccinated yesterday.

THE VACCINATED M.P.'S.

"A BAD-TEMPERED HOUSE." [BY TELECBAFH —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wr.Ki.iS'in'ON". Sunday. Towards the end of last week, and more especially on Friday, members of the House of Representatives were suffering more or less patiently from the effects of vaccination. A number of them have had rather trying times, not merely from sore arms, but from other complications which, vaccination induces in certain cases. It is said that the ragged nerves, and uncertain temper of the House generally, had something to do with the early adjournment on Friday night. The House had, as the Prime Minister said, done a very good day's work, but a few of the vaccinated members /were, unwilling to work much more, and altogether it is said that the temper of the House was too uncertain for the Government to ask it to pass the second reading of the next Bill on the Order Paper, the Police Force Bill. More than one vaccinated member lias had to seek medical advice, and today one member —a prominent member of the Opposition —was walking about the. building with his arm in a sling.

HEALTH OFFICERS' BULLETIN.

CASES IN THE COUNTRY. [by TELEGRAPH— correspondent.] Wellington, Sunday. The health officers' bulletin in regard to the epidemic, after referring to the cases in Auckland City, states that the following cases are reported from the Auckland district .-—Two at Awakino, on© at Waikaka, one at Te Teko, and one at Pungapunga. One suspected case at Ohinerautu has been removed to the

Rotorua Isolation Hospital. The Mormon elder, who was suspected of having introduced the disease, has been discovered and taken to Kaiheke for medical examination.. In addition to the case reported in Wellington, and the ono in Napier, a suspect has been isolated at Pahiatua.

CASE AT OHINEMUTU.

VILLAGES QUARANTINED,

[BY TKLI'C.IUI'H. — OWN" COEKESPONDKNT J

Rotortta, Saturday

Won] was received by the Health authorities that there was a case of supposed smallpox at Ohineinutu. and Dr. Scott, acting-district health officer, at once visited the village, and found that the supposition was correct. The patient is a middle-aged .Maori woman, a visitor to this district-, who comes from the Te Pake district. At the time of her arrival yesterday she had a rash, and apparently was under the impression that this would bo cured by the baths. Accordingly this morning she got into a hot bath at Ohincmutu, in which some other native women were bathing. They noticed the rash, and at once jumped on! in great fright, and told other Maoris, who promptly communicated with the doetor. Dr. Scott ordered the woman to be removed to the isolation ward, and vaccinated all persons who were known to be contacts. He ordered the cottage in win, the woman had stayed, and one next door to it. to be isolated. It Mas also decided to place the Ohinemutu village and that at Whaka in quarantine, the Maoris residing there being ordered not to leave the precincts. The health inspector. Mr. S. Tl. S. Sargent, was in the meantime informed, and by his instructions the police ordered all the Maoris who were about the town to return to their homes and remain there. The order was obeyed with little demur. By noon hardly a native was to be seen, and the streets presented a somewhat deserted appearance in the afternoon. Business suffered from the absence of the usual contingent of native customers. Mr. Sargent made satisfactory arrangements for the safe removal of the sick woman from Ohineinutu to the infectious diseases ward, an old vehicle being brought into requisition. She. was taken there during the afternoon. The Health Department at Wellington was informed by telegraph of the ease. In view of "the danger which might attach to a large' gathering of Maoris now that there is a certain amount of infectious disease among them, the Health authorities have expressed disapproval of the gathering proposed to be held at Rotoiti on Monday in connection with the opening of the carved house, Houmataiwhiti. The principal natives confined •♦ere communicated with, and a meeting has been held to discuss the matter. As Hie Maoris have entered into considerable undertakings in regard to providing for the entertainment of guests, have accumulated large supplies of food, and have incurred expenses amounting to a large sum. they felt disappointed at the proposed abandonment of the gathering. After much discussion. it was agreed to hold another meeting to consider the matter.

NO OASES IN TAUPO DISTRICT.

VACCINATING OFFICER BUSY

Our Taupo correspondent reports that there are no cases at present, in the district. The Government vaccinating officer had arrived from Wellington, having ridden from Wai-o-Uru, a distance of 47 miles, on horseback. He has been busy vaccinating the natives.

THE HUNTLY DISTRICT.

TYPICAL CASE OF DISEASE. [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] Huntly, Saturday. The patient near Itangiriri, who was visited yesterday hi? Dr. MacDiarmid, junr., was a native about 50 years of age. tile disease was pustular, and was typical of the prevalent epidemic. The patient's wife and six other contacts have beers isolated. The doctor visited the patient again to-day to vaccinate those natives in attendance on Wednesday, when the supply of vaccine gave out.

Dr. MacDiurmid, senr., inoculated nearly 30 persons to-day, Europeans ana natives. Dr. Low was also kept busy. iNo instructions have been received from the Health Department as to the advisability of keeping the natives to the west side of the river, and thus prevent them from congregating in Huntly. The inspector (Mr. Bennett) visited Waalii again to-day. So far there is no increase in the number of suspects at Taupiri. ISOLATION CAMP FORMED. PATIENTS IN MANY DISTRICTS. [BY TELKGBAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Kawakawa, Saturday. Vigorous steps are now being taken by the Health Department to cope with the epidemic. Dr. Uawkwell and the inspectors, Messrs. Skynuer, Coxhead, and Shenton, are at Kaikohe, where isolation camps for Europeans and Maoris are being lorined. Dr. Buck arrived at Kaikohe, and is assisting Dr. Cawkwell in the measures deemed necessary to combact the •disease.

The two European cases have been removed from Kawakawa to the Kaikohe isolation camp, and the hotels have been thoroughly fumigated by the Department. The branch of the Bank of New South Wales at, Kawakawa is fumigating all money, and spraying bank notes a3 they come in. The Health Department will fumigate all billiard saloons and public buildings. It is believed that the Mormon elder, who it was asserted at the time of the first cases in Whangarei, had introduced the disease into the country, has been located at Awarua, though the health authorities are very reticent. Casus have been reported at Koralia (one native), Kaikohe (two Europeans), Kawakawa (two Europeans), H'oreke (20 natives). Herekino (five natives), Rawhiti (one native). Motatau (three native*); also cases from Tautara, Kenkeri, To Kopuru, Waiomio, Ngawha, and Oromahoe. One death is reported from Herekino. The supply of lymph that lias come to hand go far is totally inadequate. Relying on a promise by the Health Department that ample supplies wen- in transit, Dr. Eccles made arrangements to vaccinate Maoris at Otiria on Wednesday. About 180 natives were in attendance, but owing to the promised lymph not com in" to hand the doctor could not operate on them. The -Maoris were greatly disappointed. Many of them had travelled long distances, and wished to obtain certificates, in order to be able to travel on the railways.

MAORIS FROM THE SETTLEMENTS

NOT WANTED IN HAMILTON. [BY telegraph.— own cobrespont.«.vt.] Hamilton, Sunday. Owing to there being reported cases of smallpox at various Maori .settlements, from which Maoris ere in the habit of coining into the town, the Mayor (Mi'. A. E. Manning) has telegraphed to Mr. J. A. Young, member for the district, askin"him to request the Health Department to issue orders that Maoris should not be allowed in the town. NO FRESH CASES FOR THREE DAYS. INDICATIONS FAVO ABLE. [BY TELECUiAPU.—OWN CORHESPOxr.t'N'T ) Te Awamutu, Saturday. A very definite stand has been taken by the rjublic health officers since the first

outbreak of disease occurred in the northern districts of the King Country. The most affected district is Parawera, ten miles distant, where one death has occurred, and where several natives are now being medically treated. For three days no fresh cases have been reported, and the trouble has so far been confined entirely to the Maoris, all of whom for many miles around have been vaccinated. No natives are allowed to move out of the villages, nor are mails or other goods taken from them. The indications seem favourable, and it is likely that there will bo no further trouble.

There has been no evidence of the spread of the disease to Te Awamutu or other European settlements.

DEFECTIVE REGULATION.

INSUFFICIENT RESTRICTIONS. [IIY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wji.yn<;ahei, Saturday. The fact that persons who can produce "certificates of sucessful vaccination" can move about without restriction seems to need immediate attention from the Department of Public Health, lor the present regulation is more or less a futility. For instance, a Maori, who observed a rash breaking out on his body, called on the medical superintendent of the. Whangarei Hospital in the town a couple of days ago to find out what was the matter. He exhibited all the symptoms of the prevailing malady, and also a certificate of successful vaccination. He was directed immediately to go into the isolation ward, but it was six hours before tho hospital claimed him as a patient, the interval having been spent in town and at a boardinghouse. There was nothing to prevent the man travelling about or even going to Auckland. Indeed, he had the necessary passport of a "successful vaccination " certificate. As theie are to-dav two patients in the isolation ward of the hospital who had been quite recently ''successfully vaccinated," the defect in the regulation is obvious.

Representations on this subject are being made to the Health Department by tho Hospital Board.

MORE LYMPH WANTED.

UNEASINESS AT GISBORNE.

[BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Gisborne, Saturday.

A hundred tubes of lymph were sent to Gisborne four days ago, but none have since been received. The Mayor of Gisborne telegraphed to the Health Department:—"Much dissatisfaction and inconvenience here at non-supply of lymph. Arrangements were made yesterday for vaccinating residents at the Garrison Hall. Hundreds, many from the country, arrived, only to be disappointed. Maoris are especially handicapped, as they are not allowed to travel, and are warned against entering Gisborne, while their children, are prevented from attending school. Many are here to-day for vaccination, and we want five or six'thousand tubes. Please despatch a reasonable supply immediately, so that uneeasiness niav be allayed."

NATIVE LAND COURT.

JUDGE CONTINUES SITTING.

[BY TELLIUM.— COBUKSPONDEiVX.] GisnoitNE, Saturday. Recently the Government advised that the Native Land Courts were to close down owing to the outbreak of disease among the "Maoris. Upon receipt of this advice Judge Jones, who is conducting a sitting of the Native Land Court at Port Awanui, communicated with the Justice Department, which left the question as to whether the Court should adjourn or not entirely to the discretion of the Judge. Judge Jones decided to continue the sittings of the Court, which are still proceeding.

SUSPECT AT PAEJATUA.

RECENTLY IN THE NORTH. [BY TELEGRAPH. —rRESS ASSOCIATION.] PaHIATTJA, Saturday. Considerable consternation was caused here to-day by the announcement that there was a local case of suspected smallpox. A middle-aged man from the Auckland district, who has been staying at a local boardinghouse, developed very suspicious symptoms of disease this morning. Dr. Dawson was notified, and ordered the immediate removal of the man, who is a European, to the isolation ward at the Pahiatua Hospital. An officer of the Health Department was telegraphed for, and a special nurse has been obtained from Mastcrton.

PRECAUTIONS AT PATEA.

MANY MAORIS VACCINATED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wanganci, Saturday. During the past few days public vaccinators have been kept busy vaccinating the natives of the Pa tea district at Waiottara. A great number of Maoris have gone through the operation with a willingness that has rendered much less difficult the work of the medical men. At the Pariroa pa the same, precautions have been taken, and all Maoris of that district appear to be in a fairly healthy condition. WELLINGTON VACCINATORS BUSY. CHICKENPOX PREVALENT. [BY TELEGRAFII. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Sunday. All the public vaccinators continue to be well patronised. There is at present a good deal of chickenpox prevalent in the city, and the district health officer is urging that in all cases there should bo no delay in calling in medical advice, as chickenpox is now a notifiable disease.

NO CAUSE TOR ALARM.

ONLY CASES. OF CHICKENPOX. [BY TELEGRAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] Chbistchtjrch, Sunday. Inquiries at the health office go to show that there is no apparent cause for alarm regarding a reported outbreak of chickenpox at Bennett's. The doctor who inspected the cases, which comprise three adults ami a number of children, states I hat iie is satisfied that the disease is only chickenpox, and nothing more serious. Some cases of chickenpox occurred last month at Bennett's school, and it has been rather prevalent in South Canterbury and Southland, but so far North Canterbury with this exception has escaped.