REASSURING STATEMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8481, 16 July 1913, Page 7

REASSURING STATEMENT

MAORIS AND THE RACES. "The position is satisfactory," was a romark mado yesterday to a "Now .Zealand Times" reporter by Dr. Valintine, chief medical officer, in referring to tbo outbreak among tho Maoris. This statement will no doubt be received with, a sense of relief generally and exercise a reassuring effect upon tho whole, community. At tho same time, it would bo idle to deny the fact that tho position is still a grave one, and that extreino vigilance on tho pa: V of the authorities is not necessary. That tho authorities aro fully alive to the seriousness of the situation requires no emphasising, and tho fact that a reassuring statement such as that quoted above is possiblo in no way indicates that the strongest measures are unnecessary. In point of iact, the authorities at tho present moment aro prosecuting a vigorous and active campaign, and aro naturally anxious that in their efforts they should have the whole-hearted and systematic support of the public in general. That the disease has already not further encroached upon the community is directly duo to tho vigorous measures Aho former are now adopting. Dr. Valintine added to the statement recorded above that there had been no new development, and so fat as can be seen there is reason to bo lieve that the steps that are now bo ing taken will be sufficient to meet and future exigencies. Dr.. Valintine has no doubt whatever that the disease which has brokc-n out in tho North is small-pox. And in this connection it is important to remember that there have been but threo deaths reported, and all Maoris. From official sources it is learned that there are twenty-three patients *ufiering or supposed to be suffering from small-pox at the Point Chevalier Infectious Diseases Hospital, Auckland. All hut one of these patients are Maoris. At Taupiri, "VVaikato, which is close to the "Royal" Maoii pa at Waahi—across tho river—there are four cases of natives all in closo isolation; there is one case at Thames; sixteen at Maungatantari; three at Otorohanga; three at Te Awamutu. Information has now been received that the suspected case at Ormondville is Yiot small-pos. MAORIS AND THE RACES.

Up to the present no intimation has been received by the Racing Club from the health nuthorties in regard to the admission of Maoris to the races, and it is. therefore, assumed that no action will be taken in the matter. The Racing Club themselves will take no steps to debarring natives from passing the turnstiles, and the inference is that only those living at some distance out may find themselves deprived of witnessing the sport by tho action of tho railway authorities. Dr. Mackenzie left Wellington yesterday morning for Wanganui to vaccinate natives all along the riverine district, and Dr. Couzens also left for Tango via Tokaann. Both medical men have explicit instructions to see that the Government proclamation with regard to tho movements of Maoris is strictly enforced. The Maoris are to be blocked wherever possible to prevent them coming out of certain districts.

Dr. Valintino officially states that he is receiving the ready co-operation of all hospital boards in both islands in his efforts to confine the disease and to ultimately stamp it out. POLICE AND VACCINATION.

So far there has been no compulsory vaccination of the pohce; but a turn ber of members of the force have availed themselves of the opportunities afforded the general public. On Monday night a doctor attended at the Lainbton quay station to vaccinate a prisoner and escort, who were going to the South Island, and a number of the members of the Vino brigade wore treated at the same time.

The Hospital staff is being vaccinated in, batches at different times, so as to prevent dislocation of the service by the incapacity of a large number of people at one time. Yesterday large numbers of employees at various business establishments were inoculated, and other batches will be similarly treated today. Drs. Do Lautour and Clay have been appointed public vaccinators.