SOMES ISLAND CLEARED

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 69, 16 December 1918, Page 6

SOMES ISLAND CLEARED

INTERNEES REMOVED TO FEATHEBSTON

QUARANTINE ACCOMMODATION BEING EXTENDED

The interned Germans from Somes Island, 321 in number, were moved to Featharston camp on Saturday morning. The men were taken to l'etoue wharf by the Duchess and were landed shortly before 10 o'clock. They were Iransierred to "a special train at the head of tho wharf, and taken direct to Featherston camp, where they are now accommodated in buildings tmft have been surrounded by a high barbed-wire fence. A cordon of permanent artillerymen and pohco kept the public off the wharf while the transfer was being made. A few l'etoue people had assembled, and were reinforced 'by some friends of the prisoners. No communication was allowed. The prisoners, who included officers and men from the appeared to be in excellent health. They were well dressed and apparently cheerful. Some of them sang in their own language as they marched oft' the wharf. Tne German prisoners from llotuihi Island, Auckland, have been removed to Narrow Neck camp. Tho quarantine stations, whioh have been used during tho last torn years for military purposes, are now nil clear, and are 1 everting to the control of the Public Health DepartThe Minister of Public- Health (Hon. G. W. Russell) has secured the approval of Cabinet for very considerable extension of the accommodation at tho quarantine islands. The work at Motuilu Island (Auckland) and Somes Island ( U ellington) will be proceeded with immediately. If necessary provision will be mado at each island for 500 beds in addition to tho accommodation which already exists. The Minister is making further inquiries regarding the quarantine- island at Dunedin.