INFLUENZA ON CRUISER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18223, 17 October 1922, Page 8

INFLUENZA ON CRUISER.

GUARDING THE DOOR.

OITY AUTHORITIES' POSITION

A further statement wai made by the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, yesterday, regarding the responsibility of the city authorities; in respect to guarding the door against amy possible outbreak of infectious disease. Reference was also made to tho comment by the medical officer of .health, Dr. T. J. Hughes, on a former statement by Mr. Gunson concerning the case 3of influenza on the quarantined cruiser Chatham, and the rejected proposal to have the patients accommodated at the Auckland Hospital. There is no desire in the council to enter into any controversy as to what action the district medical officer of health at Auckland took or did not take in the mutter of the Chatham's cases of influenza. Nome of the city authorities has suggested that Dr. Hugnes made application to the Auckland Hospital for accommodation of the patients, or propoued any o>-*>er method of dealing with the cases... ..-lie fact that concerns the citizens and those responsible for tho proi tection of their weifaro is that it was actually proposed to send to the Auckland Hospital several serious cases of influenza from the Chatham on its arrival from tho Pacific Islands last week, or, failing such accommodation, to have them accommodated in the naval reserve at Devonport. The citizens are indebted to the Auckland Hospital authorities and also to those at Devonport for their action in refusing the singular requests. It is a matter of no concern to the City Council at. all whether tho suggestion was made by the district medical; officer of health or by other members of the department. Tho fact remains that such a proposal was actually made by a responsible officer, and tho comment made upon it is to be reaffirmed rather than n.odified. The City Council has distinct and very responsible obligations in tho matter ol public health, and in times <■>£ crisis it is the authority to whom tho Minister appeals for precautionary cooperation. "We cannot afford at a time like tho present, added Mr. Gunson, "to contend about words. The chief point ia that the citizens do not want a repetition of the 1918 epidemic, and the City Council is certainly taking no risk of incurring itr Fortunately, the Minister for Public Health promptly issued very clear and definite -instmictions in regard to what action should be taken, and Auckland citizens are grateful. The Chatham is in the right place at Motuihi quarantine station. It is the proper procedure to avoid risks."