NO RISK OF INFECTION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 643, 20 April 1929, Page 13

NO RISK OF INFECTION

MAUI POMARE’S VOYAGE SAFEGUARDING ISLANDERS Press Association WELLINGTON, Friday. The following statement is made by Sir Joseph Ward to-day regarding the crew of the Maui Pomare: "Arising out of the recent departure of the Government vessel Maui Pomare from Auckland for Niue and Samoa, fears have been expressed in certain quarters as to the danger of carrying influenza infection to the islands at which the vessel calls. I need hardly state that every precaution has been taken by the authorities of the Health Department to obviate the slightest possibility of anything of the kind occurring. All passengers and members of the crew were medically examined in the stream before the Maui Pomare sailed, and several passengers showing a slight rise in temperature above the normal were disembarked as an extra precautionary measure. "A daily report,” adds Sir Joseph Ward, "has been received from the medical officer, who is accompanying the ship, and no sign of suspicious influenza has been reported. To-day’s report says the health of all on board is considered excellent.” Sir Joseph says the Commissioner of Niue Island reports a number of cases of influenza there, but the native labour gang to work the Maui Pomare has been segregated and, should any influenza arise among them, the ship will proceed direct to Samoa without pratique being granted. The Niue Government is keeping the closest watch and there is not the slightest need at present for uneasiness. Should anything unforeseen occur between now and the time of the vessel’s arrival at the Islands, prompt action will be taken to further safeguard any possibility of spreading the infection to the Islands.