BUBONIC PLAGUE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16641, 25 January 1922, Page 11

BUBONIC PLAGUE.

SEAPORT PRECAUTIONS* (Special to the “Star. 9 *) WELLINGTON. January 24. A series of questions relating to plague precautions was put to the Minister of Health by Dr Thacker, who wished to know if overseas boats wore moored a sufficient distance from the wharves, if traps for rats were placed on hawsers, and if steps were being taken by the Postal Department to eradicate rats, especially in the parcels office. Christmas cakes sent from north to south had been received practically demolished, with a notice attached, 1 Eaten by rats.” The Minister replied that the boats u ere moored four feet from tho wharves, and this wee regarded as sufficient to prevent any rat from coming ashore. Gangways were taken up at night, and an inspector was on duty all night to see that these precautions were observed. Four or five feet of the hawser was freshly tarred each morning. Discs were also placed on the ropes, but this was not regarded as of much value. Lights were kept burning at ships’ sides all night. Jle had asked the Postmaster-General to make some inquiries as to rats in parcels officers.