ILLNESS IN CAMPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23507, 18 November 1939, Page 12

ILLNESS IN CAMPS

ALLEGATIONS DENIED EXTENT OF EPIDEMIC MINISTER * QUOTES FIGURES NO DEATHS AMONG MEN [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] DUNEDIN, F*iday An emphatic denial of a statement by a correspondent of the Otago Daily Times that at present approximately one-third of the men in training at Burnham military camp wore ill was given in an interview to-day by the. Minister of Defence,, the Hon. F. Jones, who challenged the correspondent to prove that statement, as well as his allegation that there had been several deaths. The only death that had .occurred had been caused by peritonitis, in no way associated, with the epidemic experienced in the camps. Figures covering sickness at all camps where men for the special force were being trained were quoted by the Minister, who said they covered the position at November 15 and had been supplied to him by the Director-General of Medical Services, Lieutenant-Colonel Bowerbank. Details from all Centres They were as follows: — Christchurch Hospital.—Remaining in, 90; number in convalescent hospital, 67. Burnham—Reported sick, 82; admitted to camp hospital, 14; transferred, five; remaining, 32. Auckland Hospital. —Remaining, 21 5; number in convalescent hospital, nil. Papakura.—Reported sick, 66;. admitted to camp hospital, eight; transferred, 24; remaining, five. • Ngaruawahia.—Reported sick, 39; admitted to camp hospital, two; transferred, seven; remaining, 22. Waikato Hospital.—Remaining, 63; in convalescent hospital, nil. Trentham. —Reported sick, 140; admitted to camp hospital, "nine; transferred, 37; remaining, 20. Wellington Hospital. Remaining, 129; in convalescent hospital, 21. Challenge by Minister "A correspondent of the Daily Times made a statement that 700 men from Burnham were laid up this week," Mr. Jones said. "I challenge him to prove that and also a more serious allegation that there have been several deaths at the camp or in the Christchurch Hospital. These statements have caused a great deal of concern to parents of men in training for the special force, and, while the correspondent may wish to criticise the Government, he should at least have some consideration for the parents. "Of all the men who have enlisted for the special force only one death has been reported and that was caused by peritonitis. The trouble developed soon after the man came into camp. There have been no deaths as a result of the epidemic of sickness that has been experienced."