BRITAIN SET SNEEZING

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29718, 11 January 1962, Page 11

BRITAIN SET SNEEZING

Colds And Flu Hit Nation (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) LONDON, January 10. Britain had caught a gigantic cold, the “Daily Mirror” reported. All over the country people were coughing and sneezing. Thousands were off work with colds or flu. Sickness had hit transport services, business and industry, because of tihe cold spell whirfi followed Christmas. A Federation of British industries spokesman said last night that factory production was dropping and the position was “serious.” British Railways was finding it difficult to keep its trains running because of staff shortages. Refuse was piling up because dustmen were ill. Police stations were undermanned. But hardest hit of all were the hospitals. Hospital* had had to “call-up” former nurses and midwives to deal with the rush and in several towns it was “emergencies only.” At Farnborough hospital, in Kent, more than 50 nurses were ill. In some cities the death rate was soaring.

Fall From Motor-scooter.— Miss Thelma Lucy Joyce, of 45 Jollie street, Linwood, suffered minor limb injuries and abrasion* when she fell from her motor-scooter about 8.20 p.m. yesterday at the corner of Jollie street and Linwood avenue. She was treated at the Christchurch Hoepital and sent home.