IN QUARANTINE.

Evening Star, Issue 2954, 7 August 1872, Page 4

IN QUARANTINE.

We have not had an opportunity of learning how the passengers by the Nebraska have fared during their detention on Soames Island, but, judging by the following letter which appears in the Auckland papers, the hero’s passengers have not had such a bad time of it. The extract wo subjoin shows that life is endurable even in such awkward and inconvenient circumstances. The writer, as will be observed, was a passenger by the Hero Sydney, July 1.--On Monday morning, the papers, announced a case of small-pox having occurred on board the Hero at Newcastle, and that she was in quarantine. At Elder and Spences’ offices I was told that a detective was after me and other Hero passengers to put us all in quarantine. Captain Eldrcd advised me to give myself up—any other c ursc of action would only cause trouble. 1 jumped into a cab and was conveyed to the agent’s office. July 3rd. —On my return to E. and S.’s 1 found my detective waiting. I wasn’t allowed to get into a cab, but bad all my traps that 1 bad taken ashore in one, and walked to Circular Quay, where the Government steamer Thetis lay ready for us. When dusk came eight had been caught, and. we left for Sprinj-Tjone. the ipua.rautmc station. We were soon anchored along- ' side the Hero, and we commenced a chaffing, roaring communication, which served to keep us in good spirits. This morning we were put on board the Hera, where we learnt that the case of smallpox in the steerage had been a very bad one, and that the patient was ashore. A proclamation appears in the Sydney papers placing all craft from Victoria, New Zealand, and Sandwich Islands in quarantine for at least seven days. As for us, having had a virulent case on board, our stay is indefinite ! In this miserable situation we are philosophically doing our utmost to keep our spirits up, and Captain Logan lends us a band with all kinds of fun. We had a great conceit-to-night. While performing, the brig Wave, from Timaru, joined us, and was'received with cheering. A few minutes later a large ship (St. Nicholas, from San Francisco) was towed majestically amongst us ; we cheered, and struck up “Hail Columbia,” &c. At night a pamphlet was proposed by Captain Logan to be started • and Prank Weston is to arrange a theatrical entertainment, so I dare say we shall manage to keep ourselves amused, even if we do have to wait a long time—that is if we keep healthy. Of course we can get newspapers, &c., by sending them through the quarantine officers ; and I think I need only wind up by saying that I believe we shall be pretty comfortable under the circumstances, and are doing our best to keep ourselves I’econciled to our position, and not to let our spirits down.”