HOSPITAL SHIP MAHENO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16592, 15 January 1916, Page IX

HOSPITAL SHIP MAHENO

WHY SHE RETURNED. STATEMENT BY MR MAjSSEY. (Pbb United Pbebb Absociatioh.) WELLINGTON, January 14. To-day tho I'riiao Minister answered criticisms regajriliojj the hospital siiip Maheno. He said that it should bo clearly uftdorstood thp.t both tho Maheno and Marama had. been placed unreservedly at the- disposal of the Imperial Government, and tho Imperial Government liotilted tho New Zealand Governtnont that tho Commonwealth of Australia had agreed to a like course. Tho Maheno proceeded to England in Octdbor with a i'i<s complement ot British si-ek and wounded. On her arrival book at Malta the Now Zealand Government telegraphed that it hoped that the Maheno would remain in the Mediterranean. The Imperial Government replied that, in view of the fact that a largo number of sick and wounded must bo evacuated from Egypt as soon as possible, it was desirable for the Maheno to proceed to New Zealand! with a selection of cases. Tho travel of both hospital ships rested with tho Imperial authorities. Surgeon-general Henderson reoeived a communication from tho D irect or-general of Medical Services in Egypt stating that ho was roost anxious to use tho Maheno for conveying invalids to New Zealand, as tho ordinary transports were not suitable; otherwise they must remain in hospital until they were well. This meant that, unless the hospital ship was available, a large number of cases would br! occupying bods which were urgently required, and the Director of Medical Services in Egypt pointed out the urgent necessity of having these removed at suitable intervals. Eivery voyage of the hospital ship could clear the bid cases, as well as tho lighter 'ones, and this would enormously relievo tho congestion in the hospitals in Egypt, and tend to tho earlier return of many to tho firing line. " In embarking a large number of convalescent and enteric cases," Surgeon-general Henderson says, "it is far more suitable that those who may bo 'carriers,' or about whom there may be suspicions of their being 'carriers,' shall bo placed on a hospital ship rather than on a transport. On a hospital ship these will be properly spgrogated, kept under strict observation, and prevented from being a danger to others." As tho Maheno returned to New Zealand under_ these circumstances, it was natural to disinfect her thoroughly and reoommission her here. Tho reeomfflissioning of hospital ships, whether here or elsewhere, must neoessarily depend on tho conditions prevailing at tho time. _ It must bo remembered that, while on active service, and apart from tho patients brought back to New Zealand, tho Maheno carried approximately 4009 sick and wounded. Tho opportunity had been taken during a cessation of the fighting to send the hospital ship to evacuate sick and wounded in Egypt and convey them back to New Zealand. STATEMENT BY COLONEL TRACY INGLIS. A COMPLETELY lIAHPY HOME. (Pkb United Peess Association.) AUCKLAND, January 4. Replying to certain allegations regarding tho hospital ship Maheno, Colonel Tracy Inglis, scoond in command on that vessel, states that, though ho did not go to Dunedin on the Maheno, he knows that, while she was in commission, everything was clean on board. Aseptic operations were carried out. This could only be done under perfectly clean conditions. With regard to the statement, that esprit de corps was not a marked feature, Colonel Inglis says that this is contrary to fact. The Maheno was a completely happy home. There were never any disputes as to whether the captain 'was master of the vessel. It was realised that sailing orders clashed in certain respcets with standing orders. By mutual consent the matter was referred to tho Admiralty. The only point raised was that tho captain should confer with the medical officer in charge in respect to matters affecting hospital work. Colonel .Inglis denied that portions of tho nurses' accommodation was commandeercd by the medical staff. On tho contrary, tho medical staff gave uip the single cabin to which they wore entitled, bccause the accommodation for nurses was insufficient. Colonel Inglis also contradicted 1 the statement that there wero excessive entertainments on tho Maheno at .Anza<c. When he loft the Mediterranean they were specially complimented on tho harmonious working and general efficiency of tho ship by Sir James Porter, chief hospital transport officer. A similar compliment wns paid to the staff by General Donovan, chief medical officer in charge at (Southampton.