THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9940, 17 January 1900, Page 3

THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN NEW ZEALAND. (Per United Press Association ) WELLINGTON, January 16. Tlio Hon. Mr Ward has sent the following telegram to all the Mayors of tho colony — As tlrJ bubonic plague lias apparently spread to Australia, I shall be gliid if you will co-operatp with the Government in endeavouring to take such precautions as y>ill, as far as possible, prevent its introduction into this colony. I may state that there is not the slightest necessity at present for any alarm, and the stops I am indicating aro merely with a view to prevention, as you will readily recognise that, should oven a single case of disease occur in New Zealand, it would greatly interfere with trade, and possibly cause serious injury to tho colony. This being so, I should be glad if your corporation, having the control of &auifeiry arrangements or occupying tho position of health bodies, would take steps to have removed manuro heaps or any other matter which might in any way conduce to the location or spread of tho disease, such as ovcr-croweiing, defective ventilation, or impoverishment. I would specially direct your attention to the necessity for special cleanliness in streetß and gully traps, and for seeing that tlie water supply is not in any way liable to contamination, from impurities at the souice. Tor your information I may say I have ordered a supply of plague anti-toxin from the Indian Government for the purpose of treating cases should the necessity arise. WELLINGTON, January 17. The Government lias decided to proclaim South Australia infected, and the health officers throughout the colony are instructed to examine all steamers arriving, a-nd prevent them approaching the wharves until given a clean bill by tlio medical officers. Later. The Premier has cabled the Premiers of the Australian colonies informing them that steps have been taken in New Zealand to cope with the plague, asking what they have done, and requesting cooperation in preventive measures.