PLAGUE IN AUCKLAND

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2105, 13 June 1907, Page 3

PLAGUE IN AUCKLAND

MISS MoMILLAN’S DEATH.' A BIT OF A RUMPUS. Press Association. ' AUCKLAND, last night. A deputation from the Women’s Political Loague and tho Women’s Christian Tomporance Union waited upon tho Hon. G. Fowlda wiJth roforonco to the death of Miss McMillan, of Parnell.

Mrs. Daldy, who introduced tho matter, said Miss McMillan’s death had given rise to gravo commont. They woro of opinion that an inquiry should bo hold to.mako it clear what really was tho cause of death. No one had given any reason why sho was taken to. the hospital against lior own wishes and tlioso of her friends. They asked for an inquiry to satisfy ovoryono, whother tho treatment sho received was necessary or not. Miss McMillan, older sister of deceased, gave tho Minister tho history of the caso.

Hr. Purdy (Health Officor) was present, and said death was duo to plague, though it took place in Auckland on the way to the hospital. Ho quite admitted that tho treatment she had received unforunately hastened her end.

Miss McMillan: Are plague patients always left to themselves without anything being done for them ? Are they allowed to die ? If you or a nurse had eomo sho would have gone to tho hospital willingly. I think it wa§ a most cruel thing to send her by herself, and she should have had further treatment.

Mr. Fowlds said steps must bo taken to prevent anything of tho kind in the future. Tho department had no objection to an inquiry, but that could do no good. Tho ovidence was clear as to the cause of death, and tho facts as to tho removal to the hospital were clear and admitted. They did not deny that Miss McMillan wont alone in the ambulance to the hospital, and that she died while in tho ambulance.

Miss McMillan: Sho died from fear—nothing else but fright. Dr. Purdy: That would not cause tho post mortem appearance. I quite admit that going alone to the "hospital must have hastened her end. Miss McMillan: Do all plague patients die? ' Dr. Purdy: No; about ono in three. We have had five cases under observation since Miss McMillan’s death, but they have been proved to be only cases of suspicion. The deputation then withdrew.