INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 5002, 17 October 1918, Page 5

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

POSITION STILL SERIOUS IN SOUTH AFRICA. 3000 DEATHS IN KIMBERLEY. Australian and N.Z. Cable* Association. (Received October 16, 7.30 p-m.) CAPETOWN, October 15. There are evident signs of the abatement of influenza here, hut it is spreading rapidly in the country districts. Johannesburg reports there is no abatement. The death roll at Kimberley exceeds 3000. Tlie Government has decided to close all places of amusement throughout tlie Union. An official statement says that steamers arrived at Capetown on September 12 with forty-three cases on board. The passengers were isolated and not till the first week in October did Capetown develop the epidemic in the present proportions. The statement adds that no cases are known anywhere of influenza so rapidly assuming such virulent characteristics. LONDON, October 15. Owing to influenza the Government is not allowing troops ashore from transports calling at ports «n route between Australia.

THE NIAGARA’S PATIENTS. WARD AT AUCKLAND HOSPITAL CROWDED. Press Association Telegram. AUCKLAND, October 16. At a meeting of the Hospital Board Dr Maguire, medical superintendent, stated that after a Tbrief absence from Auckland he wab surprised to learn that a number of influenza patients had been sent from the Niagara to the hospital, where there were 2S cases isolated. Tlie ward was crowded. He warned the Board that he could not deal with more cases. Yesterday he was asked to admit another case from the Niagara. Ho replied that he could not. Mr Coyle said he opposed the quarantining of ships if it could be avoided, owing to shipping shortage. It was stated, by other members that the hospital Accommodation was taxed to tne utmost, and it was airanged to deal with the matter at a special meeting to-day. The Niagara patients in the hospital are steadily improving. Ten are suffering from pneumonia.