DRUGS HELD UP

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9789, 12 October 1917, Page 6

DRUGS HELD UP

“BLACK” SHIP IN PORT. A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH. “'What is being done with regard to a vessel laden with drugs, now at the Wellington wharf, which'tho waterside Workers refuse to unloitdi, though there is a ■shortage of drugs necessary for coping with certain epidemics? asked Dr Thacker, M.P. for Christchurch East, of the Prime Minister in the Houso of Representatives yesterday. Mr Massey replied that ho understood that there was something in the nature of a mild epidemic of diphtheria in tho Wellington district Dr Thacker: “In Christchurch, too.” Mr. Massey; “And the supply ot anti-toxin has run short.” There was a considerable quantity of anti-toxin and other drugs on tho vessel, which Hie Waterside workers refused to unload, because of the trouble in Australia, the vessel being supposed to have been loaded by “free” labour. The chairman of the Harbour Board Dad promised to look into tho matter, and the Conciliation Commissioner was doing his best to make some arrangement by which the anti-toxin and other drugs would be taken out of the vessel at the earliest possible moment. Probably he would get information on the point that afternoon. Mr H. G. EU (Christchurch South) said there tv as a shortage of chloroform in certain parts of New ZealandThat was a matter of life and death: and he asked the Prime Minister whether the men who refused to unload tbo ship knew that they were holding up drugs that were absolutely indispensable to human life. Mr Massey: “I took care to let thorn know through the Conciliation Commissioner this morning. (Hoar, hear.) I would like to say that this state of things cannot bo allowed to go on much' longer.” (Hear, hear.)