EPIDEMIC ON TROOPSHIP.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14714, 20 September 1918, Page 3

EPIDEMIC ON TROOPSHIP.

INQUIRY BEING HELD.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. The Minister for Defence has received further advice concerning the epidemic Avhich caused the deaths of many men of the 40th Reinforcements on the voyage to England. He stated this evening that he, had received a cable from General Richardson, commanding the New Zealand Expeditionary Force m the United Kingdom, m. which General Richardson reported that a Court of Inquiry was being held into the matter, but as the matter was not yet complete the findings of the Court were not available. He hoped to be able tc report m a few days. The Minister added : It appears from this preliminary account which has coma to me (but which is not an oilicial report) that the infection did not como from the vessel visiting the last port of call which I have previously mentioned. The infection arose subsequently to that, and not on account of the men having landed there. It seems to have come from ti cruiser which was accompanying the convoy. The sickness was not confined to our men, for all the transports m the convoy except one had a laige number of deaths. General Richardson think:-! | the evidence will show that the ship wa3 not overcrowded. Up to date 74 deaths have been reported, 68 men having died at sea and .*ix ashore. 'Inertare still 150 m hospital, two of whom are dangerously ill. Tlie others all doing well and arc likely tv recover. The sickness is rapidly diminishing, auci the men are now cheery, and they are being looked after. General Richardson is granting them all special leave immediately they are free from infection. General Richardson telegraphs that the New Zealand Exepditiomu-y Force m the United Kingdom wish to convey their deepest sympathy to the relatives of the deceased. I .have telegraphed to .General Richardson asking him to report tho names oi those dangerously ill .md cases otherwise serious.