THE TRENTHAM CAMP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1425, 17 July 1915, Page 3

THE TRENTHAM CAMP.

EXPERTS’ REPORT. Expert bacteriologists, who examined “ Trentham specimens,” have reported the disease, which puzzled local medical men a week ago, is not due to conditions at the camp. The charges against the ground itself —the allegation of septic infection —have not been sustained. A southern sanitary expert, who thoroughly inspected the site has reported that the sanitation system is satisfactory. Thus, on present evidence, Trentham has a clean character. A week ago, when medical authorities had fear of an epidemic of disease, which had not been diagnosed, the Government took the safe course of shifting the men. “Better to be sure than sorry,” was the policy of the Government, where thousands of valuable lives were involved. The disease has now been definitely recognised — and last week’s fear of a serious epidemic has passed away. There is some evidence to support a belief that one of the troubles at Trentham was spinal meningitis. With a clear character for the Trentham site, and a resumption of work on various buildings, the return of the scattered reinforcements is assured. The arrangements lor the separate training of the new unit, the Trentham Regiment (the Earl of Liverpool's Own) were made weeks before the great trek was suddenly ordered. —Post. CEREBRO SPINAL MENINGITIS. The medical expeits have diagnosed the disease at Trentham as cerebro spinal meningitis. The disease has occurred in the Dominion before. The disease is due to a recognised organism, and could not have been bred in the camp, but introduced by means of a “ carrier.” The disease is not as infectious as typhoid or smallpox. All precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of this dread disease.