PLAGUE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8446, 21 May 1907, Page 5

PLAGUE.

THE AUCKLAND CASES. There seems little doubt that the disease which swiftly claimed a couple of victims in Auckland last week is bubonic plague, says the Wellington Post, and again New Zealanders are reminded that their islands are not beneath the notice of the bacillus of "Black Death." Dr. Makgill, Government Bacteriologist, is already in Auckland, and the Chief Health Officer, Dr. Mason, has departed for the North, so that soon all doubts about the alarming cases should be settled. In the meantime, however, Wellington people may justifiably believe that the plague has visited the Queen City, for there is very strong evidence to warrant this faith, and they should, therefore, lose no time in putting their houses and yards in order. The bubonic plague is primarily a "filth disease," but does not necessarily need dirtiness for its propagation. Its bodyguard is the rat, which is attracted by rubbish and discarded food, and its lancer is the flea, wh;ch gets its deadly commission from the rodent. A couple cf months ago th 3 Minister for Health, realising the necessity for taking ample precautions against the plague, which had made its presence felt in Australian ports, telegraphed the following . message to local a bodies throughout New Zealand: —"In view of the recrudescence of plague in Sydney, and bearing in mind the inter-communica-tions which .take place between the colony and New South Wales, it behoves all those in authority to see that every precaution is made in the direction of removing all insanitary conditions. I suggest that a huut>o?j to-house inspection should be instituted in all boroughs, that all house refuse should be removed daily where possible, and that special attention should be directed to vacant sections, as very often these are made the dumping-ground for all sorts of refuse. A special effort should be made towards destroying vermin in and about houses, warehouses, wharves, etc. Careful inspection is made of all passengers from that infected part, but as the disease is mainly spread by the aid of rats, etc., everything should be done to exterminate these animals. No waste food should be left about. What cannot be burned should be kept in closed pans." "I think a good deal has been done, but it is just possible that an extra spurt might be made now that the presence of the plague has .been discovered," remarked the Minister, referring to the telegram quoted. "I understand that the Miyor of Auckland has cabled Home for a disinfector, a thing which is very much wanted in all the large centres for properly disinfecting clothes and goods which have been in premises that have been suspected." Mr Fowlds was asked about the procedure that would be taken if it was officially announced that the Auckland deaths were due to ptague. "If no more cases are discovered," he replied, "I don't know that there would be any serious effect. If there are many cases the chances are that there will be certain restrictions imposed on shipping. We keep a regular watch on the vermin (rats) at all the four centres," ;he resumed. "We have them examined quite regularly. A fortnight ago an examination showed that the rats in Auckland were perfectly clean with regard to this disease." . Napier lost no time in"taking steps, to discourage the advent of the plague. In Saturday's Herald there was a very conspicuous notice, signed by the the Town Clerk, urging residents to tidy up their premises. "As infection is chiefly spread by fleas, it is consequently necessary to scrub the, floors, washing them with strong disinfectant, such as 1 in 20 of carbolic or creolin," it was recommended. "After the floors are thoroughly disinfected it is advisable to rub them with a cloth soaked in kercsene .... For public information it is hereby notified that the council is offering 3d per head for rats delivered to the Pumping Station. The inspector of Nuisances has already started on a house-to-house inspection."