POSITION OF GOVERNMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10290, 27 May 1919, Page 5

POSITION OF GOVERNMENT

STATEMENT BY HON G. W. RUSSELL.

Referring yesterday to the above cablegram, the Hon. ft. W. Bussell, Minister for Public Health, told a '•Timca” representative that the latest reports received as to influenza within the Dominion showed that the position is well in hand, and the indications of a recrudescence, which were rather strong a few weeks ago, have not materialised. Consequently it is all the more necessary that a policy of caution should obtain for a little while longer; but,' directly the position in Australia is sufficiently clear to make it probable that no danger would bo incurred by allowing people to return to New Zealand, a limited number will be allowed to come by* each vessel in order that-there may be no danger of the disease flaming up once more. Cables have been sent by the ActingPrime Minister to the chairman of the previous meeting of Now Zealanders in Sydney, setting out the position. With regard to the proposal that tho Government should pay a sustenance fee for the persons who arc detained, the answer is that the Government has already given instructions to its agents in Melbourne and Sydney that they may make advances to those in necessitous circumstances; but beyond that tho Government cannot go, as it has never recognised tho principle that it should shoulder the financial responsibility for losses duo to circumstances arising out of health precautions.