PUBLIC DISAPPOINTMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12074, 27 February 1925, Page 11

PUBLIC DISAPPOINTMENT

INSPECTION CANCELLED PASSENGERS’ FEAR OF INFANTILE PARALYSIS. / HOPE OF FUTURE VISIT. It is with the greatest regret that the Union Steam Ship Company announce that the Aorangi will not be open for inspection this evening. Since the arrival of the vessel in Auckland, passengers with children have been greatly concerned at the reports regarding the prevalence of infantile paralysis in New Zealand, and strong and urgent representations have, been made to the company that these children should not be subjected to an undue risk. The officials of the company have been fully under the impression that there would be no risk provided children under 16 years were not admitted to tlie vessel, and it was intended to take steps to ensure that there would be no breaeh of this restriction. CLAIMS RECOGNISED. They considered, however, that the anxiety on the part of the passengers should not be lightly regarded, and approached the Health Department. The latter were of opinion that the representations of the passengers should be recognised, and sugjmsted that visitors should not be allowed on board in the evening, both because visitors would then be numerous and also because the children must perforce remain on board. , It was also suggested that tli» afternoon function should only be held if the weather was fine, and the children had either an opportunity of going ashore or, were kept apart from the visitors. These recommendations will he acted upon. COMPANY DISAPPOINTED. The company is greatly disappointed at the turn of evonts. At considerable inconvenience and a heavy expense, they have brought the vessel £o Wellington with the one object in view of giving the public an opportunity of seeing her. Since the question involved, however, is one of health and. the protection of children against a very serious malady, the company feel that if any mistake is to be made it must be on the side of safety. They can only hope that an opportunity will occur in the near future to carry out under favourable circumstances the arrange, nients which are being reluctantly abandoned on this occasion.