INFANTILE PARALYSIS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18287, 22 January 1925, Page 8

INFANTILE PARALYSIS.

♦ CANTERBURY STILL FREE. SCHOOLS TO REMAIN CLOSED. Canterbury continues to remain free from cases of infantile paralysis, but under instructions from the Director of School Hygiene, tho schools, which were to reopen after Christmas and New Year holidays, on February 2nd, will remain closed.

Yesterday marniug Mr C. R. Kirk, secretary of the Canterbury Education Board, received the following telegram from tho Director of School Hygiene:— In view of the widespread epidemic of infantile paralysis in the North Island, and its possible extension to tho South Island, the Director-General of Health (Dr. T. H. A. Valintine) advises that all schools in both Islands will remain

closed until further notice. While agreeing with the advice of the Director-General of Health regaiding tho closing of schools, Dr. T. Fletcher Telford, Medical Officer of Health, says that he sees no reason why picnics and other outdoor gatherings should be abandoned. Plenty of fresh air can never hurt anyone. To those desiring to take precautions, the Medical Officer of Health, suggests a gargle of very light Condy's or potassium permanganate, the solution to be coloured pink. This can also be sniffed up tho nose. The pardysis germ is conveyed bv the breath (tho spray from the mouth and.' nose in the act of breathing), and infection is caused by coming in coiltact with the person affected.

' A CASE IN NELSON. : (PBESS ASSOCIATION* lILSOEAM.) NELSON. January 21. The first case of infantile paralysis, that of a child three years old, was reported at Nelson to-day. It is not of a serious nature. CLOSING THE SCHOOLS. (PHESS ASSOCIATION TELIGBAIfS.) AUCKLAND. January 21.

The Ediicatiou Board received notification to-day from the Health Department that the schools must not roopeu at the usual time on February 9tli. Probably the restriction will continue throughout February, The' Board decided to fufly 00-operate with the Health Department, and the school will remain closed till the position is quite safe. A week's notice of resumption wilV then be given. Three cases of infantile paralysis were notified in the city to-day, and one in the suburbs yesterday. The restriction regarding the closing of schools until the position improves will apply to all secondary and private schools in the district, as well as to the primary schools. WELLINGTON, January 21. The Wellington Education Board today approved of. tho extension of the holidavs till Februarv 16£ hj, owing to infantile paralysis. The position will be reviewed and a further announcement made on February Bth or 9th.

LATEST WELLINGTON FIGURES. (PBISS ASSOCIATIbK TKLXOIAK.) WELLINGTON, • January 21. Infantile paralysis' notifications for twenty-four hours to 9 a.m. were:—• Wellington 5, Ngaia. Eastbourne, Waipukurau. Masterton, Waitara, Levin, Awakino, and Nelson 1 each, Wanganui 2. The Nelson case is the first in the South Island since the Dunedin case. DEATH AT PALMERSTON NORTH. (PEESS ASSOCIATION TELIGEAK.J PALMERSTON N., January 21. Two fresh cases of infantile paralysis were admitted to the hospital this morning, one from Shannon, and one a local case. The Shannon sufferer, whose condition was very serious, ' subsequently died. There now arc seven cases under treatment. CADET PARADES CANCELLED. (PMSS ASSOCIATION IXLBOBiX.) WELLINGTON, January 21. In consequence of the prevalence of infantile paralysis, the Commandant of the New Zealand! Military Forces has instructed the cancellation, until further notice,, of all' camps and parades for cadet units ill' the Northern and Central Military Commands. Territorial camps and parades will be held as usual.