Sir James Allen stated that he had received a cablegram from General Richardson, commanding the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the United Kingdom. General Richardson reported that a court of inquiry was being held. He hoped to be able to report in a few days.
The Minister added: ''It appears from the preliminary account which has come to me, but this is not an official report, that the infection did not come from the vessel visiting the last port of call. The infection arose subsequently to that, and not on account of men having landed there.
It seems to have come from a cruiser which was accompanying the convoy. The sickness was not confined to our men, for all the transports in the convoy except one had a large number of deaths.
General Richardson thinks that the evidence will show that the ship was not overcrowded. Up to date 74 deaths have been reported, 68 men having died at sea and six ashore. There are still 150 men in hospital, two of whom are dangerously ill. ''
Prohibition explained
Wellington: At a meeting of the Central Executive of the New Zealand Moderate League, it was pointed out that many people were not aware of the real meaning of National Prohibition.
The president (Mr D.M. Findlay) said that any misunderstanding that existed could be removed by reference to the existing law as contained in section 21 of ''The Licensing Amendment Act, 1910'' which reads as follows:
''21 (1) At all times while no licenses exist in New Zealand by virtue of any determination in favour of National Prohibition, and while that determination remains in force, it shall be unlawful for any person to import into New Zealand, or to manufacture, sell, or have in his possession for the purposes of sale, intoxicating liquor, of any description.''
He proceeded to point out that under National Prohibition no persons could procure alcoholic liquors for use in their own homes or the entertainment of friends.
Anderson's Bay tip
The City Corporation, ever tenderly regardful of the amenities of the community, has successfully inaugurated its new rubbish-tip on the foreshore of the Anderson's Bay Lagoon.
The tip cannot fail to be a distinct asset to the neighbourhood honoured - old tanks, tins, and all the usual miscellaneous debris already adding their picturesque interest to the site, which has the great advantage of being within a yard or two of the tram-line.
There is abundant promise that as the season advances all the perfumes of Araby will lend the locality an additional charm.
Stomach upsets
An incident that is causing considerable comment in the Hutt Valley at present is one connected with the illness of a number of residents (reports the New Zealand Times).
Seven persons, who are not related in any way, were taken ill with violent pains, accompanied with gastritis. They each consulted the same medical man, who, strange to say, was affected in a similar manner.
- ODT, 20.9.1918
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