RETURN OF THE PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1918, Page 2

RETURN OF THE PREMIER.

INFLUENZA ON THE NIAGARA. By Telegraph. —Press Association. Auckland, Oct. 12. The Niagara arrived at 10.30 and berthed at tlie Queen's wharf. The visiting Ministers and local authorities assembled on the wharf but did not board the steamer in consequence of a reported outbreak ,of Spanish influenza aboard. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward are well. It will -be some hours before they are allowed to land, as the vessel has to be thoroughly fumigated before anyone is allowed to land.

LATER DETAILS. Auckland, Oct. 12. A serious epidemic of influenza broke out on t'he Niagara, soon after leaving Vancouver. The total number of cases was 112 among the crew and seven among the passengers. One of the crew died as the result of bronchial-pneu-monia supervening. When the ship ar* rived at Auckland the large majority of tlic cases had practically recovered, but it was necessary to remove 28 of tho crew and two passengers for isolation treatment. The influenza is of a common type and miUl in character, not being accompanied witfh gastric disorders. The crew and passengers were obliged to pass through the - inhaling chamber improvised by the district health officer, and the vessel was fumigated. The large European and American mail was sprayed with formaline. Wellington, Oct. 12. In connection witli the outbreak of influenza on the Niagara,'tho Minister of Public Health stated to-day that he had received information that there was a serious ailment on the ship, and he had taken the necessary action to have urgent inquiries made. There was one death last night from bronchito-pneumonia, following influenza, The disease was ordinary influenza. Only two passengers for New Zealand had influenza, but a large number of the crew were affected. The Health Department was making provision for the treatment of severe cases ,at the Point Chevalier infectious diseases hospital. Mr Rvissell said he had given instructions" that the ship was to be cleared. The usual precautions were to be taken.