TO PREVENT PLAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1921, Page 5

TO PREVENT PLAGUE.

PRECAUTIONS IN NEW ZEALAND. WATCHING THE WATERFRONT. NO PLAGUE RATS FOUND. ) ' By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. An important conference was held today between representatives of the Health Department, the shipping companies, harbor boards, local bodies, and the Waterside Federation with the object of preventing the introduction < f bubonic plague into New Zealand. The meeting was called on the suggestion of the Waterside Workers’ Federation. Dr. Valentine, Chief Health Officer, who presided, explained that the Minister had received a communication from the Waterside Workers’ Union on the subject. He said that so far as was known there were no plague rata in the Dominion at the present time. The department proposed to adopt the same precautions as those taken in regard to the Ulimaroa, that is, have ships removed from the wharves at sundown each day, returning again at daybreak, but he pointed out the considerable inconvenience, delay and expense to shipping companies. During the meeting the chairman said five rats had been caught on the Ulimaroa, examined, and found to be free from infection. The shipping company representatives sai3 they were taking all the precautions suggested by the Health Department. After considerable discussion it was agreed, on the motion of Mr. Kennedy (manager of the Wellington branch of the Union Company), that subject to draft regulations being prepared by the Health Department and approved by a later meeting of those concerned, the harbor boards at all ports be constituted the authorities for administration cf such regulations, and that all expenditure incurred under such regulations shall be a national charge. _ WATCHING SYDNEY BOATS. PREVENTING INFECTION. Wellington, Last Night. The steamer Ulimaroa. which arrived from Sydney on Saturday, is receiving special attention in case it may be a source of infection. She was berthed yesterday morning and taken into the stream again in the evening. This course will be followed daily while she is in port to prevent rats getting ashore during the night. Five rats caught have been examined by the Government bacteriologist, all being free from plague infection. SHIPPING AFFECTED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Brisbane, Sept. 27. Private advices indicate that shipping between Melbourne and Brisbane is ceasing. The news is not confirmed, though it is authoritatively stated that passenger traffic will be practically discontinued till the’ quarantine regulations are lifted. ANOTHER INFECTED RAT. Sydney, Sept. 27. A second infected rat has been caught in an engineering store opposite the wharf at which the Wyreema was berthed.