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Accomodation inadequate and uncomfortable.
Christchurch Jan 17.

Mr W. C. DODDS and Mrs DODDS, who arrived recently from China
by the steamer Knight of the Garter, and were quarantined on
Quail Island in Lyttelton harbour for a fortnight owing to a
case of smallpox on the steamer, were released on Saturday.

They made strong complaints about the condition of the quarantine
buildings on the island. They found that the building placed at
their disposal was a very dilapidated one. A number of the
windows were broken, and at night the place was overrun with
rats holding high carnival.

Their meals were brought to them by the caretaker, and neither
of them had any complaint to make on that score. However, nothing
could be said in favour of the beds supplied. They were iron
bedsteads of an old type, the ironwork being covered with
sacking, but if the beds were uncomfortable the mattresses were
beyond description. What they were made of Mr DODDS would not
hazard an opinion, but he was emphatic when he said that it was
an impossibility to make them comfortable to sleep on. They used
to get up in the morning sore and stiff owing to the mattresses.

Asked if there were any conveniences of any kind, Mr DODDS said
that the bath was all right, but there was no shower or hot
water service. Indeed, when they wanted a hot bath they had to
boil the water in kerosene tins and carry it to the bathroom.

At night they tried to read by the dim religious light of a
candle. The locality of the quarantine station was a pleasant
one, especially when the tide was in, but they both had objections
to being on the same island as lepers.

Mr BUDDO's reply
The Hon. D. BUDDO interviewed, said the building and bedding
supplied were considered to be suitable for such purposes. The
Quail Island station, however, could not be expected to provide
the same accomadation as a private house would. He had not heard
of any previous complaints, and as far as he knew the conditions
prevailing on Quail Island were exactly similar to those
existing at other quarantine stations.