BREAKING QUARANTINE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3247, 7 June 1916, Page 24

BREAKING QUARANTINE.

(Fkou Our Own Cobbf:spoxdknt.) WELLINGTON, Juno 1. A further question relating to alleged broaches of the quarantine regulations in connection with the transport Willochra was put to-day by Mr Poole, who said that he had received a telegram from Mr W. Belcher, stating that the Minister, in his previous reply, had been incorrect in stating that there had been no difference between the officers and crew of the steamer. The Hon. G W. Russell replied that the matter had been inquired into, and it had been shown that a great deal of responsibility attached to the chief engineer of the WiilocKra, and it was only because the department desired to prevent an important change in the position of chief engineer of the Vessel that the officer had not been dealt with according to law. It was this officer who had broken quarantine, and he had also advised a junior officer to do the same. Tho matter -was in the hands of the department, and no doubt when tho vessel returned suitable measures would be taken to Heal with tho man according to law. The only other case in which anyone had boon allowed to have the Willochra was that of one of the men, who was permitted to go to Welling ion in order to see hia sister, who was dying. This man, however, was only allowed to leave the ship after a careful examination showing that he had been successfully vaccinated. Otherwise the quarantine regulations had been carried out strictly and without any differentiation.