THE TRANSPORT TAHITI.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1919, Page 6

THE TRANSPORT TAHITI.

HEPOEX-pN THE .EPIDEMIC.

By Telegraph.—Press Aisocis.ti»n. Wellington, Jan. 7.

The Parliamentary Committee which inquired into the epidemic on the transport Tahiti has submitted its report, wherein it states that as none of the officers and men of the 40tli Reinforcements, wlio were on the Tahiti, 'have yet returned to New Zealand, the committee was limited to evidence submitted by Mrs. J. R. Gibbons, consisting of extracts from letters of soldiers and others, and to evidence of officers of the Defence Department. Hie committee finds that the transport was commanded by an experienced officer, who had the reputation of being particularly careful of his men. The Tahiti was as well provided for in respect of air space and other accommodation as any other troopship. Things went well till Sierra Leone was reached, though discomfort was experienced owing to bad weather. The supply of food on leaving was ample, and similar to that supplied to other transports. The epidemic having appeared on board, it was inevitable that disorganisation would follow, and that arrangements for cooking and supply would suffer. The doctors appear to have done everything possible. The quantity of drugs was equal to the ordinary supply, but insufficient to meet the emergencies of the epidemic. The committee incorporates in its report the finding of the Court of Inquiry held in England. If further evidence is required it will have to be on the return of the men and the ship to Sew Zealand.

The committee especially thanks Mrs. Gibbons for the trouble she took in the collection of evidence and the lucid, concise, and capable manner in which she submitted the same to the committee. The committee expresses sincere sympathy with those who lost relatives.