Mr Menzies Severely Ill After Tour

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 14

Mr Menzies Severely Ill After Tour

(Rec. 9.30 p.m.) CANBERRA, May 6. The Prime Minister, Mr Robert Menzies, has become severely ill *nd may not resume duty for a fortnight A communique issued today by his press relations officer, Mr Hugh Dash, said that he was suffering from a respiratory infection, with recurring bouts of fever, severe headaches, and exhaustion. He has lost 101 b since becoming ill six days ago. Yesterday's examination by a Sydney specialist had proved his heart was sound, and that he had not contracted malaria, as had been rumoured in Canberra. Mr Dash said that Mr Menzies would definitely not be sufficiently well to return to his office Until next week at the earliest, and possibly not until the week after.

Mr Menzies is in bed at the Prime Minister’s Lodge, his official home in Canberra. Also ill with virus influenza at the Lodge his daughter. Mrs Peter Henderson, whose home is nearby. Dame Patte Menzies, as well as caring for her husband and daughter with the assistance of the Lodge staff, is looking after her granddaughter, Edwina Henderson.

In the Prime Minister’s absence, Sir Arthur Fadden will Jake over the Prime Ministerial duties. Sir Arthur Fadden returned to Canberra from Brisbane today still suffering from a cold, and looking drawn and tired. He

visited Mr Menzies after his arrival today, and will make further visits during the week. He presided at the Cabinet meeting today. The Federal Opposition leader. Dr. Herbert Evatt, who has also been ill, is expected back at his desk in Parliament House tomorrow.

Mr Menzies became ill last Tuesday morning after a month of engagements which took him to numerous parts of Australia, as well as Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, and New Guinea.

On the day after he returned from New Guinea complaining of exhaustion he flew to Sydney to fulfil a long-standing engagement at a televised Institute of Management dinner. He flew back to Canberra, but became ill next day. Since then he has been under the care of two Canberra doctors, Dr. J. A. James and Dr. J. Holt, and was examined at the week-end by the Sydney specialist. As Parliament is expected to rise for the winter recess about the end of May, Mr Menzies is unlikely to take a prominent part in Parliament until the spring Budget session. He is to fly overseas in five or six weeks’ time for the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference. Present plans are that the trip should be confined ito direct flights to and from London for the conference.

There is at present no suggestion that he will not be well enough by then to make the trip.