INFLUENZA

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 6, 7 July 1923, Page 8

INFLUENZA

WELCOME WEEK UNAFFECTED.

Discussing the influenza position in reply in the House of Representatives yesterday, the Minister of Health (the Hon. Sir Maui Pomare) stated that Wellington so far had escaped lightly, though a mild form of influenza had been prevalent during the past four weeks. 'The question of postponing the races and closing the picture theatres and schools in-Wellinton during' Welcome Week had been considered, but that course had not been recommended, for the reason that it was by no means conclusive that it would be of much value.

The Minister quoted from a report by the British Ministry of Health, showmg that the thronging of theatres and picture houses, though a Eource of danger, was probably not more serious than the travelling public -syas forced to endure. American experts reported that the closing of places of public assembly, and regulations to prevent crowding were enforced in many cities during the 1918 epidemic, but without, much good resulting. Whether Wellington would or would not have a widespread visitation must depend on the individual members of the community. The most simple form of prevention was gargling with a solution of a teaspoonful of common salt in a cup of water, to which should be added enough permanganate of potash to make it slightly pink. That precaution was; he said, within the reach of every person of the most slender means. In cases where there was a rise in temperature, the person should go to bed at once, remaining at ,rest and keeping warm. If necessary, medical aid should be summoned.