The Plague Scare.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 18, Issue 41, 21 May 1907, Page 5

The Plague Scare.

EXCITEMENT IN AUCKLAND. Melbourne, May 18. The Department of External Affairs have received a cable from the Acting-Premier of New Zealand stating that two cases of illness, suspected to be plague, have occurred in Auckland. Wellington, May 18. Referring to the suspicious deaths at Auckland the Minister for Public Health, the Hon. G. Fowlds, stated that nothing definite was yet known as to the exact nature of the disease. Specimens had been sent to the bacteriologist, who was now engaged in making an investigation, "Is there any ground for supposing it is an outbreak of plague? " the Minister was asked. " All I can say at present is that both cases are very suspicious," he replied, "and every precaution is being taken to have contacts isolated and the premises where the girls worked and lived quarantined." The Chief Health Officer, Dr Mason, is away at Greymouth, and cannot reach Wellington before Saturday evening, Immediately on his arrival he will proceed to Auckland to make an investigation. Auckland, May 18, In connection with the deaths of two young women, who were employed in a Queen Street establishment, near the wharves, Dr Purdy, the District Health Officer, has had a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises carried out, The Mayor has placed the whole sanitary staff at the Doctor's disposal. A general inspection of all premises in the locality is being made. The local bodies have been asked to have a house-to-house inspection carried out, and an energetic campaign is being conducted against rats.

NO FURTHER CASES. Auckland, May 19. The prompt steps taken by the District Health Officer (Dr Purdy) appear to have had a satisfactory result, as no further cases of acute septicemia have been reported. The greatest care is being exercised, As soon as the first case was discovered men were sent out to Point Chevalier to get the isolation hospital ready in case of extra accommodation being required for patients.