THE WOMEN'S LEAGUE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13311, 13 June 1907, Page 6

THE WOMEN'S LEAGUE.

DEPUTATION TO MR, FOWLDS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 12. A deputation from the Women's Political League and Women's Christian Temperance Union waited, upon the Hon. Mr Fowlds with reference to the death of Miss McMillan, of Parnell. Mrs Daldy, who introduced the matter, said that Miss McMillan's death had given rise, to grave comment. They were of opinion that an inquiry should be held to mike it clear what really was the cause of death. No one had given any reason why she was taken to the hospital against her own wishes and those of her friends. They asked for an enquiry to satisfy even-one whether the treatment she received "was necessary or not. Miss McMillan, an elder sister of deceased, gave the Minister a'-his-tory of the case. Dr Purdy (Health Officer) was present, and said that death was due to plague. He quite admitted that the treatment she had received unfortunately hastened her end. Miss McMillan : '* Are plague patients always left to themselves without anything being.done for them—were they allowed to die? If you or a nurse had come she would have gone to the hospital wiyingly. I think it was a msot- cruel thing to send her by herself and she should havs had further treatment." ; Mi- Fowlds said that steps must be taken to prevent anything of the kind in future. The Department had no objection to an inquiry, but that could do no good. The evidence was clear as to the cause of death, and the facts as ■to the removal to the hospital were clear and admitted. They did not deny -that Miss McMillan went alone in fcb? ambulance to the' hospital, and that she died while in the ambulance. Miss McMillan: " She died from fearnothing else but fright." Dr Purdy: " That would' not caust? the pftit mortsm appearance we saw. I quite admit that going alone .to the hospital must have hastened her end." , Miss McMillan : "Do all plague patients die?" Dr Purdy: " No; about one in three. We have had five cases- under observation since Miss McMillan's d-sath, but they have been proved to be only cases of suspicion." The deputation then" withdrew-