THE INFLUENZA IN AUSTRALIA. DEATH OF A PROMINENT DIVINE.

Evening Post, Volume XLII, Issue 92, 15 October 1891, Page 2

THE INFLUENZA IN AUSTRALIA. DEATH OF A PROMINENT DIVINE.

lUNITBD PEESS ASSOCIATION.] Melbourne. Uth Ootobor.

The fatal character of influenza is creating widespread alarm. The Eev. Mr. Kigg, President of the Wesleyan Conference, and Mr. A. W. Mnsgrove, Secretary for Trade and Customs, have snootunbed to the epidemic Several other prominent citizens died today, and many more are in a critical condition. | By Teleobafh.l (Our Own Correapondtnt.) [per s.s. tbkapo at the bluff.] Melbourne, 6th October. The influenza epidemic in Victoria shows |no signs of abating. In addition to the Governor and Lady Hopetoun, who wore attacked several weeks ago, and the Premier and other members of the Ministry, doctors, lawyers, and judges have been laid low by it, while amongst the public generally a great number of cases have occurred. The Melbonrne hospital returns show that nearly 20 oases on an avorage per day have been brought there Some deaths have taken place, while new patients are always at hand to occupy the beds of those who are discharged. Policemen are also laid aside from duty in large numbers by the epidemic. As to its exciting cause the medical authorities are unable to speak positively, but they attribute it to absorption, either by breathing or in food or drink, of some specific virus. It does not often prove fatal unless it happens to be complicated with some other complaint, but lung affections very often follow its attacks. William Webber, proprietor of a large drapery establishment in Melbourne, who was recovering from a eoyore attack, committed suicide by shooting himself, the bullet passing through his head. Influenza is also very prevalent in Western Australia.