A LIVELY BATTLE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16302, 30 November 1918, Page 2

A LIVELY BATTLE.

MINISTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH, AND THE MAYOR OF AUCKLAND. MINISTER WINS THE ROUND. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 30. The Minister of Public Health (tho Hon. G'. W. Russell) has sent the following reply to Mr. Gunsou, Mayor of Auckland; —“The statement I made (that measles was prevalent in Auckland) will not be contradicted by me, nor will any assertions made by you in opposition to the information 1 received.

“It appears to me that by endeavouring to inflame tho people of Auckland against the Public Health Department you are seeking to distract public attention from the revolting conditions which have been proved to exist in your city. As Minister ! am acting on the advice of experienced scientific men, which I prefer to that received from you. “The papers here quote you as saying; Tf the Minister will not protect this community it will become my duty as Mayor to take adequate steps to afford the protection which is duo.’ “Well, go and do it now; clean up tho filthy slums and disease-breeding places of your city. There lies your opportunity. Plca-so also remember that you must obey the law and set an example. If you choose to take matters into your own hands and defy the law von will find that X. as Minister, will carry out my responsibilities to the letter without fear.”' MEASLES DECLARED INFECTIOUS ' DISEASE. Replying to a telegram from the Auckland Citizens’ Committee the Hon. G. W. Russell says: “I will not allow t!io Mayor or committee to act as they choose if they contravene the law. In order to protect Auckland from measles certain stops have been taken, in which the Government has not been influenced bv the agitation set on foot by• the Mayor. Measles has been declared an infections disease and arrangements made, to deal with those affected and, if necessary, to quarantine the steamer at Motuilu.” _____