Sāmoan Epidemic Commission

In 1919 a Royal Commission was appointed by the Government of New Zealand to inquire into the causes of the outbreak of pneumonic influenza in Samoa in the latter months of 1818. The commission had been instructed to inquire into (1) the circumstances and causes of the introduction and extension of the epidemic in Samoa; (2) all matters connected with the departure of the steamer Talune from Auckland in October 1918, her voyage to the islands and her arrival there in respect to the bearing of those matters on the introduction of the epidemic; (3) whether the introduction or extension of the epidemic was caused by any negligence or default by persons in the service of the Crown in either New Zealand of Samoa. The members of the commission were Mr Geo. Elliot of Auckland (Chairman), Messrs T Wilson and W H S Moorhouse, both of Wellington, Mr R G Thomson, a member of the Hansard staff and others.