BUBONIC PLAGUE

Otago Witness, Issue 3524, 27 September 1921, Page 14

BUBONIC PLAGUE

Three more deaths from bubonic plague are reported from Queensland. The second victim was a young woman living at Kelvin Grove, and the third a young girl in Townsville. Altogether over 3000 rats have been examined in Brisbane of which 20 were found to be infected. One of the rats infected was discovered in the Hamilton district and another at C’airns. No fresh cates had been reported. At Sydney 22 death rats, 12 infected with plague, were found on the steamer Yv'yr-ema on her arrive] from Brisbane. Another infected rat was found at the wharf vacated by the Wyrema. The wharf has been quarantined and the crew of the Wyrema are under observation. The Sydney City Council is paying 6d per head for the destruction of rate, and the Health authorities at Hobart are offering a similar price. An infected rat was caught in a city block but it is hoped it is a stray rodent driven out by the activities of the rat-catchers. PRECAUTION IN WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, September 25. The Ulimarea arrived from Sydney at 2 o’clock on Saturday afternoon, and anchored in the stream. The port health officer proceeded to the vessel and granted pratique. As a precautionary measure against any introduction of bubonic plague the vessel did not berth until Sunday. The passengers landed on Saturday by the harbour ferry steamers, and went ashore with their hand luggage only.