THE EPIDEMIC

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 February 1925, Page 5

THE EPIDEMIC

STATISTICAL POSITION. TEACHERS’ REFRESHER COURSES. LITTLE RISK OF INFECTION. (By Telegraph.—Special to Star). WELLINGTON, Feb. 24. Viewing the statistical position of the epidemic generally', W ellington seems to have reached the point when the disease will rapidly disappear. Auckland is improving, and has not at any time shown the virulence of the attack experienced in the capital city. The South Island keeps a low percentage of cases. As far as the criticism levelled in [several parts of New Zealand against I refresher courses for school teachers is concerned, a medical officer of the Department points out to your correspondent that us only twelve persons over the age of 16 had contracted infantile paralysis out of a total population of a million and a quarter, the risk element was too trifling to consider. Wellington secondary schools are endeavouring to secure intense home study among the pupils by .circulating through the post office courses of homework for every form.

DENIAL FROM HASTINGS. (BY TELEGRAPH PPF.BS ASSOCIATION. HASTINGS, Feb. 24. A Press Association message attributing a case of infantile paralysis at Hastings in the general Dominion list is incorrect. Hastings has been always clear of jthe disease. RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS. POSTPONED ANOTHER WEEK. WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. Cabinet decided to-day that in view of the continuance of the infantile paralysis epidemic! the schools throughout New Zealand should not re-open till Monday, March 9, at the- earliest. A further announoemenit on the subject will be made later. In the case of the day for the reopening being again postponed, the desire of the Health Department is to give all, concerned at least a week’s notice of the re-opening of the schools LAST NIGHT’S REPORTS. WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. The Health Department received 21 notifications of infantile paralysis for the 48 hours ending at '9 a.m. to-day. They comprise d: Auckland I.'Clevedon 9. Totara, North 2, Hamilton 1, Halve ra. 1, Wanganui 2, Otane, Colyton, Shannon 1, Christchurch 5, Hal swell 2 Timara 1, Pareora 1, Otago o.' CHRISTCHURCH. Feb. 23. Ten cases of infantile paralysis have been notified since noon on Saturday, including seven in Christchurch and one in Timaru. • AUCKLAND, Feb. 23.. . Six cases of infantile paralysis were reported over the week-end, including three from North Auckland, two from Central Auckland, and one from South Auckland. Dr. Hughes, the health officer, say's that the epidemic appears tn be dying down, but there are still a few persistent cases. RESTRICTIONS EVADED. / -

HAMILTON, Feb: 23. At the Magistrate’s Count to-day several pa.rents were charged with; breaches of the Health Act by allowing their children to attend a .sports gathering and. regatta.. One wajs fined £2, the others being convicted and discharged. POSITION LOCALLY. After the four epidemic cases admit-, ted to the Hawera Hospital .during the week-end there is a lull in admissions, no fresh cases having been notified or admitted ud to noon to-dav.