STATEMENT BY SIR J. ALLEN.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14869, 18 September 1918, Page 6

STATEMENT BY SIR J. ALLEN.

Wellington, beptember 17. Sir JamsH Allen stated to-day thnfc lio deeply regretted the dea.ths caused by an epidemic of inliuenzaamong the Fortieth Reinforcements. The list showed that 60 mon died at sea and 9 died later on. There was also a considerable number stj.ll sick. He had cabled for hdler information. All that was known at present was that when the ship callecf at a distant port a message reporting ■'•Health good" was received here, and that was; the last port of call/so far las av&s known, till the ship reached the United Kingdom. He was. not awire that the vessel had touched at any other port ia continuation of the voyage, but it ross quite certain that the "epidemic could not have had its origin from aaj- conditions prevailing at the; time of departure from New Zealand, nor vhen Uie ship was reported ?'Health good-". .-.The. outbreak came from, causes subsequent to that time, Thfe deaths were due to an epidemic' t>f; influenia. with pneumonia und acute broncliitis. . The epidemic was. not-confined totha New Zealand transport* the TfJaole coaroy was affected. Fortuniit«ly thena were two medical Officers afti ten nmostes on the transports, sa-thatjonavcoMJi. anticipate that wery care and attejaiata was given to the patients. He very greatly resetted these casualties, and expressed iiis deep sympathy with the nerf-of-kin.

A reporter who inquired aa to the precautions taken before a transport is used for reinforcements was assured that every care was taken .to see that toe ship was thoroughly dean. The Ihrector-General of Medical Services (burgeon-General -. Henderson) stated that he personally inspected the vessels and noted any structural alterations or refitfcina that was required in the. interest of the :troop&. There w?s a.thorough,cleaning of.the .ship/ so -that; new -troops -.might linear, ma. dnnger of infection. -