THE MAUI POMARE

Southland Times, Issue 20664, 20 April 1929, Page 7

THE MAUI POMARE

PREVENTING SPREAD OF INFLUENZA.

PRECAUTIONARY STEPS TAKEN.

(Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, April 19.

The following statement was made by Sir Joseph Ward to-day regarding the crew of the Maui Pomare, arising out of the recent departure of the Government vessel Maui Pomare from Auckland for Niue and Samoa: “Fears have been expressed in certain quarters as to the danger of carrying influenza infection to the islands at which the vessel calls. I need hardly state that every precaution has been taken by the authorities of the Health Department to obviate the slightest possibility of anything of the kind occurring. AH passengers and members of the crew were medically examined in the stream before the Maui Pomare sailed and several passengers showing a slight rise in temperature above normal disembarked as an extra precautionary measure. A daily report,” added Sir Joseph, “has been received from the medical officer who is accompanying the ship and no signs or suspicions of influenza have been reported. To-day's report says that the health of all on board is considered excellent.”

Sir Joesph Ward says that the Commissioner of Niue Island reports a number of cases of influenza there, but the native labour gang to work the Maui Pomare has been segregated and should any influenza arise amongst them the ship will proceed direct to Samoa without pratique having been granted. The Niue Government is keeping the closest watch on the matter, and there is not the slightest need at present for uneasiness. Should anything unforseen occur between now and the time of the vessel’s arrival at the islands, prompt action will be taken as a further safeguard against any possibility of spreading the infection to the islands.