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Christchurch, Jan 1
Shortly after noon to-day Dr FINCH, District Health Officer,
accompanied by Dr UPHAM, Port Health Officer, and a nurse,
went off in the steamer Purau to the Knight of the Garter.
The second officer, Mr McCULLOUGH, was lowered from the big
steamer to the launch. Two passengers, Mr and Mrs DODDS, also
left the vessel. The patient is reported to be progressing
very favourably.

A large supply of formalin was taken off to the steamer and
the second officer's quarters were thoroughly fumigated. The
Purau afterwards steamed to Quail Island, where the patient
was landed and taken to the hospital. Nurse TIMMS, who
volunteered to nurse the patient, has also taken up residence
in the same building. Dr UPHAM will be in attendance on
McCULLOUGH and will visit him from Lyttelton regularly. Mr
and Mrs DODD, who have elected to spend their fortnight in
quarantine at Quail Island, have also taken up quarters in
one of the buildings adjacent to the hospital.

The Knight of the Garter will probably lie in the stream for
a few days before leaving for Auckland, where she will remain
in quarantine until January 13. All on board are reported
to be well. 

Information received on Saturday by the Hon. D. BUDDO stated
that the name of the smallpox patient was McTULLOCH, chief
officer. The other officers and the crew and two passengers
have been vaccinated and the isolation was complete. No
communication with the shore would be allowed until the
vaccination had proved effective and the steamer had been
disinfected. "There is no necessity for the public mind to
be disturbed," said the Minister, "as everything that can
possibly prevent the spread of the disease is being done by
the district health officer."