HEALTH IN THE ISLANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20990, 29 September 1931, Page 8

HEALTH IN THE ISLANDS.

INFLUENZA PRECAUTIONS.

TOFUA UNDER QUARANTINE

Every precaution against the spread of influenza to the Islands was taken during the last trip of the Tofua, which left Auckland on September 7 and returned yesterday.

When the vessel first called at Suva, Fiji, it was placed under partial quarantine. Passengers were allowed ashore, but tho whole of the ship's complement was confined to the vessel. Cargo operations were carried out as usual. At Samoa the Tofua was placed under strict quarantine, and no one was allowed ashore. Labourers on the wharf used masks in working the ship. No restrictions were placed on the Tofua at Tonga, and on the return visit to Suva everyone was allowed ashore. The vessel gained a day on its trip at Samoa and an extra day was spent at Suva. Captain S. A. Chatfield, master of the Tofua, said tho precautions were thought necessary owing to reports of the prevalence of influenza in Auckland. Some of the European population at Fiji had been affected, but so far it had not spread to the natives. It was understood that Samoa was immune, although some cases had been reported from American Samoa. "The health of the passengers and crew was very good during the trip," said Captain Chatfield. "There were several bad colds, but only one case of influenza, which was of a mild type."