THE AUCKLAND MYSTERY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13288, 17 May 1907, Page 5

THE AUCKLAND MYSTERY.

SUSPECTED PLAGUE. Copyright—May 17th, 12.20 a.m. MELBOURNE, May 16. The Department of External Affairs has received a cable message from the ActingPremier of New Zealand, stating that two cases of illness—suspected plague—had occurred at Auckland. DEATHS OF YOUNG WOMEN. EXTRAORDINARY PRECAUTIOV 3. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, May 16. In connection with the two deaths of young women employed in a Queen street establishment near the wharves, from what is described as acute septicaemia, Dr Purdy, District- Health Officer, has had a thorough cleansing and disinfection of the premises carried out. The Mayor (Mr A. M. Myers) is giving every assistance, and has placed at Dr Purdy's disposal the whole of the sanitary staff. Additional men have been engaged, and a special sanitary gang formed. After thene premises are dealt with all the others in the neighbourhood will be inspected and cleansed. Inspection is being made and a general cleansing process carried out in all warehouses near the wharves and harbour front, and the chairmen of all local bodies have been asked to institute a house-to-house inspection. At the same time an energetic campaign m being conducted against rats.

STATEMENT BY MR FOWLDS.

WELLINGTON. May 16.

Referring to the suspicious deaths at Auckland,'"the Minister for Public Health (the Hon. G. Fowlds) states' tha.t nothing definite was yet' known as to the exact nature of-the disease. Specimens had been sent- to the bacteriologist, who was now encaged in making an rave-tig at ion. " Is there anv ground for supposing that it is an outbreak of plague?" the Minister was asked. "All I can say at present is that, both eases are very suspicious," he replied. Every precaution is being t.-iken to heave the contacts isolated and the premises where the girls' worked and lived quarantined. The Chief Health Officer (Dr Mason) is away at Greyinpiith, and cannot, reach Wellington before Saturday evening. Immediately on his arrival he' will proceed to Auckland to make an investigation. .