THE PLAGUE.

Thames Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9619, 23 April 1900, Page 2

THE PLAGUE.

INFECTED RATS.

FOUND ON AUCKLAND WHARF.

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, April 23. Mr Gilruth and Dr. Mason waited on the Governor last night, and expressed regret at having to report that the examination of rats found upon the wharf left no doubt whatever that they suffered from the bacillus of plague. This, however, need not raise any alarm, because sooner or later infection of rodents must ha.ye occured. In, Melbourne and Brisbane during the. last few months infected rats had been found, yet no auman being' had contracted the disease. They urge all care, and that the authorities use' all the precautions possible, and distribute poison free. The isolated men are ail well.

(By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.)

AUCKLAND, April 23. Dr Mason states that ail the rats from the Auckland wharf which were handed to or collected by the sanibaay commissioners (Mr Gilruth and himself) have been found to be infected by baccilius. of the bubonic plague. The wharf hands who were isolated are well, and soi far have not developed any s-igns' of plague. It is hoped by strong measures and an active crusade gainst rats to prevent the infection of human beings:. The Queen street wharf has been closed, and only those having business are allowed thereon.

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, April..2l. Mr. Ward has cabled to London, Paris, and Bombay ascertaining when the prophylactic ordered in March is likely to reach New Zealand. No authority has been given for the abandonment of the fumigation of sailing vessels, and no relaxation will be permitted. All oversea vessels will have to undergo fumigation at final ports, no matter what intermediate port they call at. WELLINGTON, April 23. Mr 1 Gilruth and Dr Mason suggests that the civic authorities ought to supply gratis a mixture of arsenic, pollard, and oil of aniseed, and that one day be sell apart for a universal poisoning at the earliest opportunity. Mr Ward' has replied expressing the hope that with active co-operation by fcha civic and harbour authorities, the disease will be confined to rodents. He intends to confer powers oh Dr Mason aiid Mr Gilruth by commission to take any steps their experience and judgment may direct. The Government decline to remove the quarantine restrictions imposed on vessels from Tasmania.

[Pbb Press Association-—Copyright.] SYDNEY, April 22. The fresh cases of plague are Sarah Austin, died at Prince Alfred Hospital; Olive Mooney, Balmain; Stevens, Miller's Point. ,