H.—l9b.

94

J. R. PURDY.

575. They had probably been in camp somewhere else?—No, they were all new; but they came from all over New Zealand, and measles has been fairly prevalent in New Zealand for months now. 576. While these numbers were going up was any additional accommodation provided? You had sent all those who actually had measles either into Wellington or to Berhampore? —Yes. 577. Your segregation camp must have been quite as large as the other camp at this time? —No, not, quite, but it was getting pretty big. We were having very nearly five hundred men in the Segregation camp. It became so that it was impossible to carry on the segregation camp. The Medical Officers had a consultation and agreed that the segregation was not doing any good at all. Fresh cases were being brought in, and they would have to segregate the whole camp, so it was discontinued. 578. When did that happen?— Some time in May. Each man was more able to contaminate a man who was not his tent-mate at all, because he would be with him on parade. 579. Was there a difficulty in keeping the men in this segregation camp within the camp? — 1 believe some of them broke bounds at times. Some men were always being punished for breaking bounds. 580. Did they get under the Haps of the tents and go and visit theif friends and come back?—No, they did not come back, ' 581. Mr. Ferguson!] None of them got leave to visit town?—No 582. The Chairman.] There was no picture-show at, the camp, was there?— Yes, I believe there was, but none of the contacts were allowed to visit, it. Some used to clear away over the hills. 583. Which was a matter for military 7 punishment if a man broke bounds?— Yes. 584. What time in May was the conference held? —Early in May, I think. 585. Did that mean that the segregation camp w 7 as to be broken up, or did you make any additions to it for the future?—AVe did not make any 7 additions to it. 586. Were those men in camp kept there for the quarantine period? —Yes. 587. But the men outside were carried on as if no measles were arising?—We could not get, all the contacts—it was impossible. 588. AVas there anything up to the end of May but measles that gave you trouble?— Nothing. 589. And you were relying upon the Wellington Hospital and upon Berhampore to take all those who were attacked? —Yes. 590. 1 take it that the hospital in course of erection would have been useless for an epidemic of measles —there was no accommodation there for more than a few?— But we have never put them there. 591.. The non-erection of that hospital had no bearing whatever upon the treatment of measles ?—Absolutely none. 592. That is rather a surgical hospital?—lt, was a camp hospital, and there had been a camp hospital there from the first day of the camp; and ultimately as the camp increased we had two marquees and about 'four bell tents as a camp hosjdtal —that would be about twenty-four beds; and our orders were that no man was to be treated in camp if his illness was going to be of long duration. That camp hospital was purely for observation, and as soon as ever a man's case developed he was sent away to the Wellington Hospital. 593. You have had a military camp hospital there all the time?— Yes. 594. But when this building is completed it, will take the place of the marquees and tents? — Yes, just, the same as the huts take the place of the tents for the men. 595. Did your administration at the camp continue up to the 6th June? —Yes. 596. And then it ended finally on the 20th June? —Practically on the morning of the 13th. 597. After Major Fyffe, who left in April, who was next? —Major McGuire was specially asked to take charge of the Fifth. 598. He was originally in charge of the Auckland Hospital?— Yes. He was practically an ex-Army doctor. There was continuity right through. 599. Major McGuire was there up to the time you left? —No. Then I had orders to send No. 2 Stationary Hospital to the front, I think early in May. Major McGuire was one of the officers chosen. 600. Who were under you up fo this 13th June—we have Major McGuire: who was next?— Major McAra, who had been in camp since the previous December. He was going away with the Fourth Reinforcements, but he took ill when the troopship was leaving and was kept behind. He came, back some time in May and took charge. 601. Was Dr. McAra there from then till the 12th June in charge when you left?— Yes. • 602. You had the appointment of a man to succeed Major McAra?—l was asked in May or early in June if I did not, think it would be better to have a permanent P.M.O. in the camp. I said No, but continuity would be better; but if the authorities thought it would be better I would endeavour to get a man, and I got Dr. Moriee, of Greymouth.

Friday, 23rd July, T915. Colonel James Robkrt Purdy further examined. (No. 21.) 1, The Chairman.] You wish to refer to some particulars which you promised to supply to us 'j__l gaid yesterday that I had discontinued connection with the Berhampore Hospital on the 20th June; it should have been the 12th June. I have also found that on Monday, the 31st May, the week I left for Dunedin, I asked Major Elliott, to go and see a case at Berhampore Hospital for me.