MR MASSEY AT PALMERSTON

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9093, 12 July 1915, Page 9

MR MASSEY AT PALMERSTON

STATES SICKNESS DECREASING,

Yesterday the Prime Minister (the Right' Hon. W. S'. Massey) and the Minister for Public Health (the Hon. R. H. Rhodes) went to Palmerston by special train for the purpose of visiting the new camps in that vicinity. They were accompanied by several members of the Government party. After his return to Wellington last evening the Prime Minister stated, that ‘he had found the conditions at the camps to be much better than ho had expected in view of the bad weather on Saturday and the short time that had been available for making new arrangements. The rain in the Palmerston district had been phenomenal, and a great deal of country was under water, but the troops were all under cover and very cheerful. “There is a large number of cases of measles,” said Mr Massey, _ “but the sick men are being rushed into hospital at once. It is quite evident the amount of sickness is decreasing, and I think the change has already done the men good.. The hospital accommodation at the new camps is good, and so far as one is able to judge is likely to prove adequate.” Mr Massey mentioned that ho had seen the men of the Trentham Regiment march through Palmerston headed by their band. The regiment had made a splendid show and its appearance had been very comforting to those people who had been alarmed by exaggerated stories in the newspapers.