INFLUENZA

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 3778, 3 May 1919, Page 2

INFLUENZA

PRECAUTIONS IX NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.!'

Christchurch, May 2. The Hon. G. W. ■ Russell stated to-day that the position in regard to the rumor of cases of influenza in the Dominion was much the same as that reported several days ago. Asked regarding the precautions in the event of a possible recrudescence of the epidemic, the Minister said that tho position is being closely watched, and all the machinery is ready to bo brought into operation should a recrudescence take place.

NIAGARA A CLEAN SHIP. Christchurch, May 2

As there has been somo anxiety regarding the Niagara, which was reported to havo had a fresh outbreak of influenza on board, Mr George Humphreys, Consul for France, cabled his daughter, who was one of tho passengers. This morning Mr Humphreys received the following reply, dated April 30, from Honolulu: "All well; clean ship." MARKED INCREASE SOUTH IS- . LAND. The authorities think there is every indication that the near future- will see a recrudescence hero of the influenza epidemic. During the past two days there havo been 23 notifications in Canterbury and ' Westland health districts. Of theso five are cases of influenzal pneumonia, two of them being severe. In South Canterbury during the same period, there were eight notifications, two of which aro pneumonia.

Dr. Fox, superintendent of the Christchurch hospital, stated to-day thaffHhere had been of late a number of cases of influenzal pneumonia in the hospita : land one death. He had no doubt whatever that these cases were the same type as those of last November. STRANDED NEW ZEALANDEIIS IN SYDNEY. Referring to the cablo from Sydney stating that the stranded New Zealauders were dissatisfied at what they claimed to be discrimination in allowing soldiers and munition workers to return to New Zealand, while civilians were debarred, the Hon. G. W. Russell said he was surprised at the statement, as no Ministerial authority had been given for the relaxation of the embargo. While appreciating tho work of soldiers and munition workers, he could not differentiate- between different classes of the community. If the Health Department had cabled permission it was done on its own responsibility. The matter would bo enquired into. He" had received -information from Wellington that a i small body of sordiers were en route to New Zealand, but no consent could be given to the Defence Department to the transfer of munition workers unti Ithere were more effective quarantine stations. The embargo would bo rigully enforced. With regard to tlie stranded New Zoalaiiders, a cable had been forwarded to the 'Government agent authorising him to make the necessary advances for their maintenance.