A DUNE DIN CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13774, 15 July 1913, Page 5

A DUNE DIN CONFERENCE.

EVERY PRECAUTION BEING

TAKEN

Dunedin, July 14

A meeting; of local medical authorities, convened by the district 'health officer (Dr. Champtaloup) for the purpose of considering the precautions necessary in view of the outbreak of smallpox in the North Island, was held to-day. Dr. Champtaloup said his idea was that they should' plan a campaign as to what precautions they were going to take, and what accommodation they thought it advisable to have available at once. lie did not think they need alarm themselves, though they might-have-a case or two here.

An expression of opinion was invited as to the necessity for passengers from tho North Island being vaccinated, and it was resolved that this was- a necessity. Other resolutions passed were in effect: That the meeting approved, of the notiiic.-ition of all cases of chickenpox bouig compulsory, and that investigation and vaccination should be carried out where it was considered necessary; that an officer should bo appointed to investigate cases of chickenpox ; that regular weekly visits should bo made to Maori settlements, and a. note .should be sent before hand .that the people would be vaccinated, and that the medical officer would pay special attention to any illness in Maori settlements • that suitable temporary accommodation be immediately provided for -suspected cases, and contacts. It was reported that the hospital at. Quarantine Island was ready for use, and that the' Department also had a staff of officers a-oady. Six nurses in the hospital had been vaccinated, and a notice had.been'posted/calling'for volunteers for nursing duty. In the event of a smallpox outbreak a motor boat had been arranged for to ■establish communication with Quarantine Island,, and an ambulance- was available. It was mentioned during the comer-.-nc& that word had just been receive*

tkat tho most rocont cases of smallpox had appeared in Hawko's Bay. ;