THE EPIDEMIC COMMISSION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11763, 25 February 1919, Page 5

THE EPIDEMIC COMMISSION.

THE NIAGARA INCIDENT.

MAYOR OF AUCKLAND’S EVIDENCE.

Per Press Assomaton. Auckland, Feb 24r The Epidemic Commission continued its sittings to-day.

Mr J. Gunson, Mayor of Auckland, said that on Septebmer 28th he wrote to tbe Acting-Prime Minister inquiring as to what was required in the way of a public reception to the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward. He received a reply on October 9th which ‘said the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward preferred that mo function should be held. For his (Mr Gunsr.n’s) private information it was stated that there was sickness on board. The spaaktr called on Sir James Allen and asked what was the nature of the sickness, the latter replying that he did not know. Later in the day, when down on the wharf, lie protested to Sir James Allen against the vessel berthing, and also to Dr, Hnghes and Dr. Russell, saying that they would have to take the responsibility, as the vessel had not been examined. So concerned was he that he again conferred with Sir James Allen, who expressed surprise that the vessel was allowed to berth, Sir James Allen asked if be would like to have the wharf cleared, to which he replied that he would very much. At this time the vessel was just coming alongside. Before leaving the wharf he was advised by Sir James Allen that instructions had been received from the Minister of Public Health that the vessel was not to be cleared till the Minister had been furnished with a report. Subsequently he learned that this report had been sent and permission had been given for the vessel to berth. On the following Monday, the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward, having left Auckland on Sunday, he telegraphed to the Minister of Public Health, after conferring with the Chairman of the Harbour Board, again protesting against the vessel being allowed to berth, and pointing out that there were a considerable number of new cases of influenza. The, Minister replied that influenza was not a disease for which a vessel could be quarantined, that precautions were being taken, and that the matter of allowing the vessel to berth was ont of his control, and undei the control of the Harbour Board. On October loth, Mr Gunson again telegraphed to the Minister, urging the gravity of the situation.

In reply to a question from the Commission, Mr Gnnson stated that to bis knowledge vessels were sometimes examined in the stream. He could say positively that the vessel was berthed before the wharf was cleared, and that it was possible for anyone on the wharf to shake hands with persons leaning ont of the port holes of the vessel. Prior to the arrival of the Makqrg he knew qf several eases where the whole household was stricken with disease after a visit from some one off the Niagara. Nothing came under his notice that would lead him to believe that there was any danger of sickness being brought ashore fiom other boats. When the Makurawas due, in view of the Niagara experience, he telegraphed the Minister of Public Health and urged that the vessel be quarantined. Subsequently he again wired the Minister, asking him to give his assurance that the vessel would be quarantined, and suggesting that Motnihi Island he used.

The Miniate M replied that he understood that there was only measles on board, but in reply to a_ further telegram, said he would do all he could in tbe matter. Farther telegrams passed, and finally tne mneh-disenssed telegram placing the whole responsibility far the conditions obtaining on the Mayor. Witness did not reply to the letter, but called a meeting of the Council, which passed a resolution protesting against the language used by the Minister. Sir John Denniston said he personally did not see how this personal question could have"any bearing on the Commission.

Continuing, Mr Gunsou said that immediately on the arrival of the Makura, and in view of the doubt as to the Minister’s action, tliecommittee, after discussing the matter, decided in conjunction with the local bodies that the Makura should not be allowed to berth. He conferred with the chairman of the Harbour Board, and it was agreed that if the vesstl came in the Harbonr Board’s official should not work the wharf. After Dr Frengley examined the vessel he decided that she should not be i put in. Witness protested lo the ’ Minister against the lack of provision of qaurantine facilities. A month before this he had urged on the Minister and the Acting-Prime Minister that quarantine facilities should be arranged, bat apparently nothing baa been done. The Chief Health Officer of the Dominion then came to Auckland, ana witness learned a week after the arrival of the Makura that the passengers were secretly lauded at St Helier’s. Personally the speaker could not credit such a thing,bat be learned in the evening from the Chief Heafclh Officer himself that the report was correct,and that the passengers were on their way to Auckland, He protested against this in viaw of the fact that passengers so the number of 75 were being allowed to come into Auckland within 24 hoars after leaving an intected ship. In reply to a question, be said he did not I share the view that Motuibi was not a suitable quarantine station. It was very snitable, bat he did hold that the Health Department was greatly to blame for its conditions 7 its total inadequacy of build.' ing and other accommodation. In bis opinion if the thing were handled efficiently they coaid get adequate accommodation there witbinu week’s time. He was satisfied that if Dr Frengley and Dr Hughes had had their way adequate provision would have been made—provision which was not mane owing to the incompetence of the Department If the Defence Department required the island it clearly became the duty of the Health Department to find •ome other place.