3

1.—7

8. Treatment, of Epidemic. —Tt is abundantly clear that once the epidemic commenced everything possible (except as noted in paragraph 7) was done to check the disease and to prevent it from spreading. In this respect an extract from Lieutenant-Colonel A. Marshall MacDonald is quoted : " From the evidence it can be taken that the steps taken to cope with the epidemic were successful, particularly in view of the fact that it was got under control in ten days." 9. Supply of Drugs. —The, supply of drugs and stimulants was ample for normal, conditions, but gave out under the heavy strain caused by the. epidemic. In view of the fact that this epidemic may again arise, it is recommended that an ample supply of suitable drugs and stimulants for dealing with a widespread epidemic should be placed on board. Special attention is drawn to tin; evidence ol' Captain Eagleton and Lieutenant-Colonel MacDonald as to the treatment of such an epidemic by serra and prophylactic use of suitable vaccine before embarkation. 10. Nursing. —Too much praise cannot be allocated to Sister Maxfield and the, nurses under her charge, as all worked most assiduously and effectively to cope with the epidemic, ft is regretted that from the evidence the same cannot be said about the medical orderlies, who were apparently ill-trained and did not show any marked capability or zeal. It is reported, that tin; men from the troops who volunteered for orderlies during the epidemic did excellent work. 11. Complimentary. -The Court place on record their appreciation of the invaluable assistance rendered by the master of the ship and his ship's company, tho service ol Lieutenant-Colonel Allen, the medical officers, nurses, and those who so ably assisted them. Signed at headquarters, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Bloomsbury Square, London, this 21st day of September, 1918. Eugene J. O'Neill, Colonel. President. T. H. Dawson, Major, "] Kenneth Tapper, Captain, N.Z.M.C., Jas. T. Watson, Major, J

Wellington, 10th January, 1919. Memorandum for A. S. Malcolm, Esq., M.P., Chairman of Parliamentary Committees, Balclutha. For your information I enclose herewith copy of memorandum which I have addressed, to Captain Blackburn re amount of cubic space per man which the accommodation on the transport " Tahiti " afforded at the time of the outbreak of influenza. R. W. Makgill, Lieut.-Colonel, Assistant Director of Medical Services (San.). 10th January, 1919. Memorandum for Captain Blackburn, Marine Department, Wellington. I have been instructed by the Hon.. the Minister of Defence to forward to you the attached note from Mr. A. S. Malcolm, Chairman of Parliamentary Committees. During the inquiry into the outbreak of influenza on H.M.N.Z. transport " Tahiti " certain evidence was given as to the amount of cubic space per man which the accommodation on the transport afforded. You are asked to check such evidence, and to enable you to do so I forward the following data from which the evidence was deduced : — (a.) Plan to scale of s.s. "Tahiti" in separate package. This plan was the one produced as evidence during the inquiry. (b.) Cubic capacity of each area occupied, as sleeping-accommodation. This is given on the plan, the figures being compiled by the officials of the Union Company. (c.) The number of men actually occupying the areas when the transport was at sea. These figures are — . In hammocks — Forward, 'tween-decks . . . . . . . . . . 320 Midships, main deck .. .. . . . . . . 170 Aft, 'tween-decks.. .. .. .. .. ..280 Sergeants, aft main deck . . .. .. .. 50 820 In bunks — Lower deck .. .. .. .. .. ..162 Main deck .. .. .. .. . . 60 Boat deck- .. . . .. .. .. 45 267 Total.. .. .. .. 1,087 Will you please forward your report to Mr. Malcolm when completed. R. H. Makgill, Lieut.-Colonel, Assistant Director of Medical Services (San.),