NO MORE INFLUENZA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20235, 20 April 1929, Page 12

NO MORE INFLUENZA.

REPORT FROM MAUI POMARE.

STRICT PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. HEALTH OFFICER ON SHIP. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. 1 WELLINGTON, Friday. An assurance that all precautions havo been taken to prevent the Government motor-ship Maui Pomare, whose crew re-» ccntly developed influenza in Auckland, from carrying infection back tc tho islands was given by the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, in a statement issued to-day. "Arising out of the recent departure oi t'.io Government vessel Maui Poinare from Auckland for Niue and Samoa, fears have been expressed in certain quarters as to (lie danger of the vessel carrying the influenza infection to tho islands at which she calls," said Sir Joseph. "Every precaution has been taken by the authorities of the Health Department to obviate the slightest possibility of anything of tho kind occurring. All members of the native crew who contracted influenza in Auckland were detained in that port and were not permitted to rejoin tho vessel before she sailed. All passengers and members of the crew were medically examined in the stream at Auckland before tho Maui Pomare sailed, and several passengers showing a slight rise in temperature above normal were disembarked. "As an extra precautionary measure arrangements were also made for a medical ofticer of the Health Department to accompany tho ship on tho voyage and instructions were given to him to report daily on the health of all on board A daily report has been received since the vessel left Auckland and no sign suspicious of influenza has been reported. The report received this morning reads as follows: —'Health of all on board continues excellent since leaving.' "The Resident Commissioner at Niue, under date April 17, advises that there aro a number of cases of influenza among the natives at Niue, but that tho native labour gang to work the ship there has been placed in segregation and should any sickness arise among them the ship will proceed direct to Samoa without pratique being granted at Niue. It will bo seen, therefore, that tho Government is keeping tho closest watch in connection with this matter, and that there is not the slightest ground at present for any uneasiness. Should, however, anything unforeseen occur between now ond tho vessel's arrival at island ports prompt action will be taken to further safeguard any possibility of spreading the infection in the islands."