IN THE COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17007, 14 November 1918, Page 6

IN THE COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

ABATING AT MORRINSVILLE.

DEATH OF TWO MAORIS. [by TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] MOBRTNSVILLE, Wednesday. The influenza epidemic is still raging here, but there are indications that it is abating. Another death occurred at the Kiwitani pa yesterday, a Maori dying from double pneumonia. Deceased came here from Matangi on Saturday, and had been 01 for eight days. Another native who died also came from Matangi. All the cases among the local Maoris are progressing satisfactorily. TWO DEATHS AT WAIHI. POSITION BECOMES ACUTE. [by telegraph.— correspondent.) WAIHI, Wednesday. There aro no indications that the influenza epidemic ho re is abating. The Citizens' Committee, which includes the schools' sluJI, ia well organised. The hospital was full of patients days ago, and the Masonic Hall is being converted into a temporary hospital, but no medical man is available, both residential doctors being ill. There is alfio a shortage of nurses, and the poeition Li acuta. An emergency doctor from the Thames was secured, but after two days he was compelled to return. Another from Auckland arrived early on Monday evening, and 'continued attending to patients all night and next morning, but later in the day he also suceumbed to th>j epidemic. The town is therefore again without medical aid. Two deaths from the malady occurrod last night. WORST PAST AT THAMES. [bt TELEGRAPH. — CORRESPONDENT.] THAMES, Wednesday. Strenuous efforts are being made by the hospital authorities and the Public Health Committee, assisted by a number of energetic helpers, to combat the influenza epidemic. It is in a groat measure owing to their efforts and the prompt and efficient preventive measuros adopted that the epidemic has be?n kept in check. It is now hoped that the worst is past, although several deaths have occurred during the last day or two. WEST COAST FAIRLY FREE. At Pih'i there are now only three slight cases, arid no cases have occurred between piha Mid the Manukau Heads. Seven Maori." are down at Anawatau, a email pa five miles north of Piha. IMPROVEMENT AT NARROW NEOK. MANY RECOVERIES REPORTED. A great improvement has taken place in the situation at Narrow Neck Camp. Only 30 or 40 cases remain, and only two or three are serious. _ Last week there were over 240 cases, including over 40 serious ones. DEATH AT MOTUIHI. A member of the military guard stationed at Motahi internment camp, named Frederick Donovan, died yesterday from pneumonia following influenza. He was buried in the quarantine cemetery, in accordance with instructions issued by the Health Department. Several' soldiers at Moluihi have contracted the" complaint, but there are now no serious cases. COASTAL SHIPPING DELAYED. There ib very little change in the conditions on the waterfront. Few fresh cases of influenza among seamen have occurred, but the sick roll is still large, and a number of vessels are still hung up. The Northern Steamship Company's time-table has been practically suspended, and the company is running what steamers it can obtain crews for. The Manaia's departure for Whangarei has been postponed until to-morrow night, and the Ngapuhi, which had been delated until mid-day yesterday, will not sail for Tauranga until Monday. The Rimu is to have Onehunga to-day for Raglan and Kawhia, her crew being nude up of officers from some of the other iteamors of the company. The movements of the Whangape, Arahura, and I'oherua are still indefinite. BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS. Two special trains are running from Auckland to-day to convey caskets and mourners to Waikumete. Caskets were received at Auckland and Mount Eden stations last evening for conveyance to Waikumete by the first train to-day, leaving No. 6 platform at 10 a.m. Caskets will be received this morning at both stations for the afternoon train, which leaves at 1.45 o'clock. Mr. Wallace, chairman of the Hospital Board, stated yesterday that it was imperative that relatives should carry out burials as quickly as possible, and if any unnecessary delay occurred the board would undertake the work itself rather than permit any undue accumulation of bodies. Mr. "Wallace yesterday authorised several large woodworking factories to construct caskets, and it is felt that this action will remove one very serious cause of delay. TELEGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT. OVERWHELMED WITH WORK. [by telegraph.—PßESS association.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The Wellington telegraph office closed from 10.30 a.m. to-day till 10 to-night owing to tile staff having been overwhelmed with work during the last fewdays, and the effects of influenza. The cable service was therefore suspended for the rest of the day.