EPIDEMIC WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20044, 6 September 1920, Page 5

EPIDEMIC WORK.

MR. ISITT PAYS A TRIBUTE. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, September 4. * After the severe criticism of th. Health Department for its alleged failure to adequately quarantine some mail .steamers with influenza sufferers on board, it came as a surprise to the House last night to hear from the present Minister of Health, the Hon C. J. Farr, that the most eminent public health authorities do not hold a high opinion of the old system of ship quarantine. They allowed infected fillips to berth immediately patients and contacts had been taken to hospital. Mr Isitt took the opportunity Of paying a tribute to the work of the Hon G. W. Russell, who was Minister of Health during the epidemic period. He said ho wished to protest against the vilification to which the former Minister had been subjected. While he (Mr Isitt) by no manner of means saw eye to eye with Mr Russell, and the lattter was not- in the habit of throwing him bouquets, ho was disgusted at the exMinister’s treatment when he» knew" from intimate association with his work as an administrator that he showed a deep sense of responsibility and worried and worked himself ill in his endeavour to cope with the menace. Mr Isitt thought it very deplorable that a Minister who had endeavoured, according to his lights, to cope with the public ill should have been subjected to such treatment.