RECALL OF DR. FRENGLEY.

Taihape Daily Times, 6 December 1918, Page 5

RECALL OF DR. FRENGLEY.

The fact that Dr. Frengley, health officer, who has done such good work in the matter of combating the epidemic, has been recalled by the Minister of Public Health to Wellington has created quite a storm of opposition from the Mayor, councillors, Hospital authorities, and the Citizens' Committee, Mr. J. H. Gunson, after a conference with Mr. W. Wallace, chairman of the Hospital Board, jointly dispatched the following telegram to the Prime Minister: —;

"Dr. Frengley, Deputy-Chief Health Officer, who has been in 'Auckland since November 3. advises us that ho has been recalled to Wellington,' and under instructions from the Minister for Public Health will leave Auckland tio-morrow. While we have Targely succeeded in overcoming epidemic conditions, yet the ..position in Auckland is still such that it c:ills""ioT the greatest vigilance and continued care on the part of the Public Health Department and al] authorities in these circumstances, and having regard to the condition of oversea ships, arriving at Auckland to-day, we most strongly represent to you the urgency of the position, and the imperative need of Dr. Frengley remaining in Auckland, as he lias a full knowledge of all the circumstances in connection with the public health in this district, and we most respectfully protest against his removal at the present juncture. We canont too strongly urge upon you the necessity of your immediate attention to this matter. Failing retention of Dr. Frengley and saisfactory assurances as to the future, a public meeting of citizens will b ecalled immediately, as the Question is of such vital importance to the health of this community." > BEARING THE COST. WELLINGTON, Nov. 5 Sir Joseph Ward .stated in the House to-day, though it was certain money would be placed on the Supplementary Estimates for epidemic relief, he was not yet able to announce any definite amount, as inquiries were not completed. The Hon. G. W. Russell said the Government, would""Dear the entire cost of emergency hospitals, nursing, and other expenses dealing with the epidemic, but would not relieve hospital boards and local authoritis of their responsibilities under the law. MAORI MEMBER HELP UP. WELLINGTON, Dec. 5. Mr A. T. Ngata asked the Hon. G. W. Russell to remove restrictions on Maoris regarding train travelling, and mentioned that ; Mr,Tau Henare, M.P., was not allowed, to entrain for Wellington until he had got a permit from the Auckland Health Officer. Mr. Russell said he regretted exceedingly that his original instructions had been exceeded, and that a member of Parliament, because he was a Maori. h<?.d been subjected to such humiliation. He promised to instruct the officer concerned to observe the original instructions. BEATEN BY FATE. A house situated at the rear of some shops "in Cuba street, Wellington, is occupied by the wife and child of &. waterside worker and! the latter's sister. The ehicf characteristics of the

place are a leaky roof, broken spouting, and general disrepair. The house presented a most dismal sight, but, unlike most of those who live in the dark portions of the city (says the Times), the occupants were scrupulously clean. It was ascertained that the rent had been raised from 10s to 15s a week, though what justification there could be for this was difficult to see. PITY AND DISTRESS. A New Zealand Times reporter, in company with Mr. Peter Fraser, M.P., and one of the special inspectors appointed since the epidemic, visited some of Wellington 's darkest quarters. People were found to be living in the most deplorable squalor, and l the worn, haggard faces met with in some quarters told a story full of pity and distress. Many questions were asked by the visitors, and they elicited an amazing assortment of replies, which may be epitomised as follows: "We can't afford to live anywhere else"; "we can't find another place to live in"; "the landlord won't do anything for us.' -' Tin many cases it was found that the landlords were well-to-do men in the city, and when asked to carry out repairs, they nodded their heads, and replied , "Material is far too expensive! " Prom which remark it was presume that human life is cheap. AT TAIHAPE. The Town Hall for the last fewdays wears an almost deserted appearance, and at night is shrouded in darkness. The epidemic has, so far been subdued that the attendance of j the Committee is almost unnecessary. From all part of the town and district the reports coming to hand are of continued improvememt, and without being unduly optimistic it is hoped the epidemic will be stamped, out well before Christmas.