INFLUENZA.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VIII, Issue 300, 21 November 1918, Page 5

INFLUENZA.

IN AUSTRALIA. PROCLAIMED A NOTIFIABLE DISEASE. (Received 21, 11.15 a.m.) Sydney, Nov. 21. I As a precautionary measure virulent influenza has been proclaimed a notifiable disease. —(A. and N.Z.) REFERENCES IN PARLIAMENT. COUNTRY DISTRICTS RELEASING THE SOLDIERS FROM THE CAMPS. The influenza epidemic was men- j tioned in the House of Represents-1 fives on Tuesday afternoon, and several statements on the subject were made by Ministers. Mr. W. T. Jennings (Taumarunui) said that there was great distress in the country districts owing to lack of medical’ and nursing attention. Two doctors who covered 300 miles of country between Pio Pio and Oha. kune were both down with the influenza, and people vm dune Hi suggested that the )eten< n Dtpaif ment should send some trained medical orderlies from Hie cam. ;. The Hon. D. Buddo (h n uoi). asked for information regarding the men in the camps. \\ hat vas being done to protect the men and gtl[ them to their homes as early as pos-1 sible 1 I ~Mr. G. Witty (Riccarton) said he’ was receiving many letters asking, his assistance in getting men out, 01, the camps. The men were sorely needed at home in many cases owing to the epidemic. The Government ought to make special provision for getting the southern men to their homes, owing to the dislocation of the ordinary ferry service. The Minister of Defence ■ (Sir James Allen) said that the Defence Department, of its own volition and by his wish, had given every assistance in its power in fighting tho epidemic. The Department had sent medical officers and nurses to Auckland, it had sent trained men from Awapuni all over the country, and had lent trained orderlies where required. An appeal had come from Johnsonville, and six orderlies were being sent there that afternoon. Other orderlies were sent to Dannevirke. Twelve men had been sent to Wellington already, and others were being sent. A suggestion had been made to him that soldiers should be employed disinfecting homes in the city. He did not think that this duty should be given to the soldiers. It was the duty of the civilians to attend to the disinfection of their homes, but the soldiers would assist if necessary.. With regard to demobilisation, the position was that steadily and without advertisement the Defence Department hud been releasing men from the camps, added the Defence Minister. The camps had been divided into blocks for medical purposes. so that fit men. contacts, convalescents, and so forth might be kept distinct, and the men wew being released as fast as the medical authorities thought safe. If he had allowed men to leave in large numbers in the early stages of the epidemic they would have carried the disease all’over the country. He hud considered it his duty to hold the men until they could safely be let go. As soon as a man had been eight days clear of infection, and had been three times disinfected, Jie was allowed to leave camp. He hoped in the course of the next few days to be able to release a large ! number of convalescents. The Lei fence authorities realised that men I were more liable to infection when massed together in large bodies, and it had made every effort to scatter the troops. All available buildings had been used for this purpose, and tepts had been procured from ail parts of New Zealand after a hurricane unfortunately wrecked the canvas camp in the early days of the epidemic. Men who had be'm allowed to leave camp on sine die leave were not expected to return, hi fact, they would not be admitted to camp if limy did return. The Minister mentioned that lit' bad been trying to arrange with th‘> Union Company to have soldiers carried to the South Island by special .' tf aiuer. but there was great difficulty in getting crews. The Minister of Marine (the lion. T. M. Wilford) said the Government steamers could be used if crews were available, but the present position was that sailors and firemen could not be obtained. The men fell sick as fast as they were engaged. Sir James Alien said he would like to appeal to those who were able to man these ships to assist. The occasion demanded the best effort that everybody coujd make. Air. G." Hunter (Waipawa) asked the Prime Minister to see that,.the • country hospitals got a share ol the i oranges and lemons that were soon I to reach New Zealand. The need was ; great. j Mr. Massey said that two large , consignments of oranges and lemons were coming to New Zealand this week, and steps would be taken to see that the fruit was distributed to all the centres and country districts where it was needed. GOOD HEALTH AND COURAGL’. A correspondent writing to the “Post” says: In these days of strain' and anxiety courage and calmness • are qualities most urgently needed, and their effect on bodily health can- j not be too highly estimated. Fear, I it is well known, is a most potent; factor in the cause and spread of; disease. It weakens resistance, ami j interferes with the healthy action of • every organ of the body. . Conso-1 quently, at a time like this, it is one of the first things to be stamped out, and every individual can do this, to a greater or less extent, for himself. The power of mind over body has long been recognised by science, ami now is a most needful time for that power to be exercised, he have, in a large measure, the control of onr health in our own hands: and by the exercise of courage and cheer- j fulness we can do a vast amount; towards stemming the tide of the ' epidemic which is now upon us. : AT SAMOA. Wellington, Nov. 21. ! The Samoa garrison will be demobilised as soon as possible. Influenza has broken out tnere and is spreading. Assistance has been cabled for but cannot be spared from New Zealand. The Minister is trying to arrange medical aid from Sydney. i EASIER. IN AUCKLAND. Auckland, Nov. 21. The gialua], decline, in the severity of the epidemic is continuous. Ir-'iihs in the hospitals, from midnight on Tuesday to last night, totalled fourteen.

’reports FROM WELLINGTON.

IMPROVEMENT AT MILITARY CAMPS. Wellington, Nov. 21. Thirteen more soldiers deaths are I reported, but the cases in the camp are greatly reduced. At Featherston there are 566 in hospital, 97 are serious. I At Trentham there are 1493 m hospital and there are also 97 serious cases. While more deaths may be expected, the death rate has ■ fallen largely and the back of th# ' epidemic is considered to be broken. Wellington, Nov. 21. No steamer went to Lyttelton last night, as crews for the Hinemba and the Tutanekai could not be obtained. The Mararoa goes south J to-night. i At an emergency meeting of the ‘executive of the Federated Seamens’ Union to-day it was resolved that for the purpose of conserving the health of men of the Mercantile Marine, all living quarters on the ships be properly fumigated for not less than 24 hours, and subsequently cleaned out prior to the seaman joining or taking the ships to sea. A committee was sot up to carry out the terms of the resolution and supervise fumigation and cleaning. Awapuni camp is clear of disease, and there is only one serious case at timers'*,on North. I STAY’ IN BED. I Reports from the town hospitals I are to the same effect. Doctors ■ state that quite a proportion of the i deaths are due to relapse, through patients getting up too soon, be-, ' lieving they are on the mend, which is the most dangerous phase of the disease. SERUM FROM AUSTRALIA. One thousand doses of serum, said ■ to be successfully used in Australia, have been ordered, and particulars [ have been asked to ascertain if it . can be manufactured here. J ; DEMOBILISATION. ! Men are now being released from the camps as fast as the doctors can give them a clean bill of health. J Provision of transport, however, is ! affecting the repatriation of the • South Islanders. ’ RURAL ORGANISATION. I Wellington, Nov. 21. ’ Hon. W. G. Russell has issued instructions tha,t temporary hospitals ( may be established in country disi triets and the Government will be re- . sponsible for equipping and main- . taining them. The following are the conditions laid down : , Provided a doctor and certificated matron are obtainable, any Borough Council, Town Board, or County ’ Council, where no public hospital exists, may establish a temporary ' epidemic hospital. The approval of the Hospital Board for the district ( must be obtained and forwarded by ( telegraph to the District Health Officer, who will report to the Chief j Health Officer, and his decision will i be final. Approval being given, the Government will be responsible for equipping and maintaining the institution whilst required. I Voluntary assistance, should be , sought by the committee of managei ment of each temporary hospital in “ transporting patients, nursing, cookI ing, and similar work on the lines of . the citizens’ organisations in the ( large towns. Accounts for supplies and services ' for the epidemic hospitals must be certified by the Hospital Board of the district. The Government will * not be responsible for sanitation I work or any other legal liability of anv local governing authority, but . v. iii pay the expenditure incurred i directly arising from the epidemic, i and, in particular for approved emergency hospitals, ductois. nurses, , drugs, food, etc. Tlie erection of buildings will not be approved. Uh< rcv< r practicable ( iState school buildings should be used, and the Government eoiifv j dently looks for the co operation of the inhabitants in nursing, looking, , food supplies, etc. ’ CHRIbTi 11L 81. H. L (Received 21, 2.20 p.m.) Christchurch, Nov. 21. From midnight till noon to-day ■ there nave been sixteen admissions - to the hospitals and eight deaths. i The influenza patients admitted I to the hospitals vesterday were 55, t and deaths 19. Despite these figures the Health Officer considers the , position well .in hand. The block > system of medical service has been . inaugurated. To-day the deaths include .Mr. D. Henderson, horse trainer. Wingatui, who was here for I the recent races. OTHER CENTRES. «■ Nelson, Nov. 20. i There urc no,v 39 eases ot' influenza '( in the hospital, the number having ’! varied little during the past three i' days. Of these three arc danger‘iously and fourteen seriously ill. Up ’.to date there have been twelve ; deaths in the district. There are many cases in the city, but generally they arc not of a very severe type. Dunedin, Nov. 20. There was a very busy day at the hospital, the admissions exceeding 1 ; those of yesterday. Sister Loudon, '■of the nursing staff, died to-day. I This was the busiest day yet ex- ' I perienced at the Central Inquiry i Bureau. : i The doctors will adopt a modified 1 block system from to-morrow. J ’ Gr 'ymoutb. Nov. 20. ■ The position, which looked most serious a few days ago, now seems brighter. The hospitals arc still taxed to the utmost, but the dangerously ill list shows about six cases. Five deaths have taken place since yesterday. A special train ran to the Otir’a line to-day, accompanied 'oy willing helpers, to bring any dangerous cases to town. The factories and certain business places . re-open to-morrow. ■i Hokitika, Nov. 21. ; The epidemic for the week ending yesterday carried off four town resi- ■ dents, including a recently returned ■soldier, six country residents and I one visitor, l-i tim same period two . town and two country residents died 'onside Westland. ' The epidemic now is great in the country. Only one medical man is available for the whole of Westland and his services are confined to the town where the local and auxiliary hospitals are .situated. A medical student sent to assist- here had to go to bed I immediately on Lis arrival, with tlie 1 .complaint. It is considered that qualified medical advice for country I patients would be of great value at this stage and representations have been made to the Government. The loe.-il organ: wit ions include a 'fine body of workers who are assisting the authorities in every wav possible.

Dunedin, Nov. 21. The Otago and Southland notifications were 32 to-day, three fewer than yesterday. The cases now in the Dunedin Hospital are 214, an increase of six. 1 deaths were fewer than on any previous day recently. The "Star” is authorised to announce tuat the bacteriology of the disease is now definitely established. The result of research makes it clear tnat the mischievous agent is tne same organism found in practically all authenticated reports from Britain, the Continent and Australia. AT NAPIER. The position at Napier is much the same. There are still a number of serious cases, but even many of th-: worst cases show signs of improvement. .urs. Kibblewhite, of Bower street, died at her residence during the Betlween nine o’clock last night and eight o’clock this morning only two urgent “calls were received by the organisation, as compared with twenty tae previous nighc. The members of the s.s. Mako’s crew, among whom the disease was first discovered at Napier, have now recovered sufficiently to rejoin their ship. With the addition of three men from Auckland, the Mako wasa full snip and was able to sail for Auckland to-day. Throughout yesterday and during the night the deaths at Napier totalled nine, four at Napier West hospital, one at the general hospital and the others at private residences. ft is most distressing arid dis-i couraging to note that at Napier many of the influenza patients, and mostly the men, will persist, as soon as they begin to convalesce, in going out. In nine cases out of ten they «. suffer a relapse, and frequently double pneumonia supervenes. In a few cases death has resulted. AJI solicitors’ offices at Napier have closed for three days. CITIZENS’ COMMITTEE. The Citizens’ Committee met at 10 o’clock this morning, the Mayor (Mr. H. Hill) presided. A report was given in connection with the position regarding doctors. The Mayor stated tnat tne doctors had so arranged that there would be a doctor on night duty to whom would be communicated all calls after 8 p.m. The public should give the information tnrough the usual channels. The Mayor turtner stated that there was an indication that tne epidemic was decreasing He had only received one call last night. Mr., G. Kelly in Reporting tne result of visits to the dairying centres which supplied milk for consumption in Napier, first accorded his thanks: to Mr. W. G. Jarvis and Mr. P. Earsons fdr assistance given. They ! visited 28 places. Most of the places , were sanitary. Some of the licensees had badly kept premises which i should be attended to, and improve- j meats enforced. This was specially necessary in some places. Mr. Kelly I proceeded to give particulars of some of the premises. I There was some suggestion that details should not be published when premises were not found satisfactory. Such indiscriminate publication would make for a feeling of panic. It was decided to request the Press not to detail places not in good order. It was pointed out in favour of this that such vague mention, coupled with the fact that the premises had been visited and were known, would have a good effect on' the people owning or using the pre-, mises, and that the object of the i Borough Council to clean up would' be gained. Mr. Kelly reported that the conditions in some of the places were reprehensible—some of them filthy. Dr. de Lisle said some years ago he had inspected the milking promisee and taken samples. The inspection had proved satisfactory. Mr. Kelly pointed out that while the majority were clean and sanitary arrangements were being carried out, tne majority of places were not: well equipped. | Mr. G. w. Venables stated he ha>l! noticed that the smaller were much' better and cleaner than the large i places. | The report is to be laid before the ■ Borough Council for action. ■ Mr. F. B. Gardiner said the' Health Department had no power | to go on to the dairy premises, it; was a matter for the Agricultural I Department. | Lengthy discussion ensued in this < matter and finally it was decided to' call a special meeting of the counc.l. i Mr. Kelly wished it made public that brandy, wine, etc., could be ob- i tamed from the Hospital Board! Office, under doctor’s prescription, I at cost pnc". Mr. Blundell stated that as some [ of those who had placed their cars: at the disposal of tne Red Cross, J could not afford the running expenses, he had canvassed for donations of benzine and had obtained some from Messrs. Granby and to., the Tourist Motor Co. and the Vacuum Oil Co. Hearty votes ot l thanks were accorded these firms and Mr. Blundell was appointed distributor. HASTINGS EMERGENCY HOSPITAL FULL.

MORE HELP REQUIRED. Although the authorities say they believe they have the outbreak well in hand, there were more cases last night than the Emergency Hospital could accommodate and many of a more serious nature. To meet the crisis and to win through the assistance of everyone is required. The number of cases seeking treatment at the hospital is a testimony to the organisaton of the ambulance service and to the energy of the house to house visitation, in the search for and despatching to the hospital cases found neglected m various homes. In some of the homes visited, where both parents wer- prostrated with the epidemic and the household and family were neglected for three or four days before their condition was discovered, the scene was shocking. Father and mother delirious or unconscious, a sick, uncared for infant wailing and verv young children crying and toddling round amongst insanitary and dirty surroundings, in such a state of uncleanliness that some of them were actually flyblown and the committee had to despatch lad : es to the house to bath them. Sister Taylor, who was Sister-in-Oharge of the Hastings Emergency Hospital, now ranks a.« matron with Nurse Walker (Grant-rd Hospital) as day sister, and Nurse Anderson (Kereru) as night sister. . The general stores and the Hospital orderlies are under the centre: of .Lieut. Cavell. and Mr. J. H. Monteith. In almost every v. here fatal results have ensued the patient, feeling well, got up to resume his work, or his pleasure, as usual, with the result that he had a relapse and died. In. one of these cases a man,

who felt better, went to a dance, in another a man took part in the, peace celebrations; in a third a man transacted some urgent business outside and all three paid the penalty of their fool-hardiness with the death penalty. There are innumerable other instances of a similar - kind which, though very distressing, ■ at least show that in many instances . the patients themselves are respon- • sible for what happens and, there- : fore, must not expose themselves to ■ risk, until they have medical as- - surance that they are fully restored to health. This morning there were 165 cas"s at the Emergency Hospital. Eighteen of these were discharged and. ? of the remainder. 10 were serious, f One death (Mrs. F. Lambert) was -■ reported. The management have started a No. 2 Ward for male patients. , Messrs. Morgan and Richards, e chemists, are both ill and their shop t is under the temporary charge of S’ Messrs. Leigh and'Joy (another firm v of chemists). i Mr. H. Bayliss, masseur, has given up his practice during the epidemic s and has offered his services to tne 5 Mayoral Committee in control of k the Erne: gency Hospital. He has r be n appointed to the charge of the 3 ward orderlies, under the matron. Up to noon to-day 1200 people had r taken treatmint at the inhalation chamber established by the Hast- ' ings Borough Council at the Asr sembly Hall. Those who have gone t through speak in high terms of the ' benefit received. The chamber will ■ b? kept open until the epidemic has ’ abated. ’ The Mayor says that all cars that ‘ are running for the committee are J carrying a red flag, so that people > who want assistance will know them. ’ At the request of the merchants and some retailers, Mr. Mossman, 1 secretary of the Hastings Holiday Association, called an urgent meeting of business people at 3 o’clock this afternoon in the Council Chambers, to discuss the advisability of curtailing the hours of shopping during the epidemic. ’ RELIEF FUND OPENED. Owing to the fact that many people have asked the Mayor to accept donations in money, his M orshtp thinks it desirable that a fund should be opened in the “H.B. Tribune,’’ to be known as “The Influenza Epidemic Fund,” controlled by the Mayor’s Committee.” Subscriptions can be forwarded either direct to the “Tribune” office or to the Mayor. All donations will be acknowledged in the "Tribune.” The public will readily understand that this money must be disbursed on necessitous cases as they arise, and that it will, therefore, be imposible to have an I audit of the expenditure. The I Mayor’s Committee will administer ’th-:* fund with every care and they ' ask subscribers to place confidence in their control and discretion. The Mayoress heads the list with ' a subscription of £5O. | As a large number of the workers who volunteered their a?rvices to > combat the epidemic, and who are ' carrying on so heroically and. devotedly, axe> not really in a position to give their time gratuitously, the payment of these willing members of the staff will form one of the disbursements from, the Influenza Epidemic Fund. HAVELOCK NORTH. At the meeting of the Havelock I Nona Town Board the Chairman, ‘(Nir. E. C. said that there iwerc 52 cases of influenza reported. ! none severe, and they were all kept thoroughly in touch. The people had been informed that anything they wanted would be attended to. Ladies had offered their services for cooking and nursing. T.m Town Board desire to have it as widely known as possible, throughout the district, that they have a thorough and complete organisation for combatting the prevailing epidemic of iniluenzza, and for giving all the help possible. If (Cases are only reported to the Clerk jof the Board, immediate enquiries j will be made as to the nature of <the help necessary. In spi.c of the i fact that such offers of help are I made . and have been duly advertised through the local press, it is feared that many <*bses arc never ! reported, and so the work of the ! organisation is gre-a ly hampered. ■ Fortunately, however, those win, [would receive help by reporting, as I requested, are the sole sufferers /through. their neglect. . Ample ! nourishment for patients is freely 'given, but there is great difficulty (tn arranging for nurses. I Referring to the confirmation ser■vice which had been held by the I Bishop, in spile of protest., the Chairman of the Havelock N ortb I Town Board (Mr. E. C .Clarkson), I having wired to the Minister of !Public Heal.h as to the position of the Town Board and the Health authority for the district, said he had received the following reply “Instructions issued by the Health Office tha; all churches must not ’ hold services after 5 p.m.. Bundays included. T.tis is universal throughout the Dominion and must be obeyed.”—.-signed. G. V.. Russell, Minister Public Health. A motion was carried urging that , those responsible for that confirmation service be prosecuted.

AMONG THE SUFFERERS. V.'ara te Wr.alte, the chief of the , Ngati-Ngati-o-te-rangi tribe, aged 5o years, dr'd at Greytown on Thursday. He '.ad been suffering iron; inil.it uzs. I The Rev. Father M. D-yioy. of St. ■Anne''. Parish, Newtown, is suffering from influenza. I A private telegram from Ciirist- ; church reports t.ie death of Mr. J.. : i.aisyb.ht.. tlie champion professional pedestrian. I Influenza was responsible for the 1 d&ath of .-Ir. It. J. L. i’- i.'-s. sta- ; lionmaster at Ot.ra, last v. • t Hi | whs 25 years of age and a native ol t Dunedin. and had been 12 years in 'the Railway Department. He leaves i a wif-', who is at present an itiiluj enza patient at the Grey River Hos- , pita:. I .'.it. H. M. Cotton, who died <>; ' S.ttar-.lay afternoon, of pneumonia. ’ fo.Gwiiig influenza, was a very well hi.* ■■■■. ll tigare in Christchurch bust .--■ .-.-nd .atiiletic circ’-'s. He was a son of the late Mr. 11. M. Cotton, electrical, engineer at Lak-; ridgm and was about 3G yea..of ag“. He spent practically all hiti’p.Plimc in t. hii-.U-!iiiri-;i. and a few vmis ago v.-a< aeco.mit-d one of lieu m _ . i j L'.-:::i<-rb;'ry !md <i-;-r rcodue d. | Tiv* Rev. Fata er lUnsaid, S.M., of : Taihape. h;u sucoiMG to the ini’ fl ier:.*;'. e ;>:demie, and his r.s.- iztant. ’the Rev. Father Burgin. S.M.. ; sth* suffering from R.- .-.-me comThe ft--*.'. I’.-.t'. i Me';i. , Goki. -he IG. IGwr t. 0.11111010. Gi fi.mkme. and th-- I’fi. F.u nem Ki-.L-il and N.I. It.iw. of V, .ITy- | ton. are also on the sick register. ’ A man nttim-d John Arden, a shearer from Whakatu. single and .aged 25, died at the Hastings

Emergency Hospital yesterday. His relatives reside at St. Andrews, Tiinaru. The death occurred at the Hastings Emergency Hospital, this morning, of Mrs. Rose Lambert, wife of Mr. F. Lambert, sawmiller, Hastings, in her 36th year. Deceased, who was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. T. Blackie, of Hastings, leaves a family of six children, tne eldest being 18 and the youngest two. Much sympathy ; s felt for the widower and the children. Mr. Leslie Baden Powell Mills, aged 19, died at his mother’s residence, in Warren street, Hastings, yesterday. Of an exceptionally bright and cheery disposition, the deceased lad was very popular amongst a large circle of friends and his happy face wa well known in many quarters of the town. Influenza claimed him as a victim about six days ago and internal complications followed, resulting in his death. Sincere sympathy for Mrs. H. E. Mills and her family will be expressed by a large circle of friends. The funeral took place at the Hastings cemetery this morning, Rev. Blathwayte officiating at the graveside. . Sgt.-Major Gallop, of the Defence Barracks, died at the Napier West Hospital this morning. Miss Hughes also succumbed this morning to the epidemic, at the Napier West Hospital. Mrs. Ernest Hamlin died this morning at her residence, Nelson Crescent, Napier. ' Among the influenza victims at Napier yesterday were, William \\ nson, aged 31; Myrtle. Peddie, wife of Alexander Peddie, aged 36 ; John Heron, husband of Mrs. B. Heron, aged 35, and Mr. Allen, who died at tae General Hospital. Mr. P. Moroney died at his father’s residence, Paki Paki, today, as the result of influenza. The deceased was a returned soldier. Mr. Robert Jardine Joanstone, the well-known New Plymouth stock agent, succumbed at tne hospital to tne prevailing epidemic. The Very Rev. Dr. Verdun, S.M., Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunedin, is at St. Gerard’s Monastery, Hawker street, Wellington, in a condition that is giving rise to considerable’ anxiety. SPANISH INFLUENZA METHODS FOR CONTROL IN AMERICA. In the effort to prevent an epidemic of Spanish influenza tnrough the United Slates, Surgeon-Generai Blue, of the Public Health service, has provided a list of methods loi the control of the disease. From a telegraphic survey made by General Blue it was discovered that the disease had broken out in six United States seaport towns, Fort Morgan, near Mobile, Ala. ; Newport News. Philadelphia, New | V ork, Boston, New London, and New Orleans. Dr. Blue’s bulletin of information on the disease issued principally for physicians, contains information as follows : Infectious Agent.--The bacillus influenza of Pfeiffer. Sources of Infection. —The secretions from the nose, throat, and respiratory passages of cases or of Incubation Period.—One to four days ; generally two. Mode of Transmission. —By direct contact or indirect contact through the use of handkerchiefs, common towels, cups, mess gear,, or othei objects contaminated with fresh secretions. Droplet infection plays an important part. Period of Communicability.—As long as the person harbours the causative organism in the respiratory tract. Mi-tliod of Control.—The infected individual and his environment. Recognition of the Disease. —By clinical manifestations and bacteriological findings. isolation. —Bed isolation of infected individuals during the course of tho disease. Screens between beds are to be recommended. Immunisation. —Vacciues are used with onlv partial success. Quarantine. — None; impracticable. Concurrent Disinfection. —The discharges from the mouth, throat, nose, and other respiratory passages. Terminal Disinfections.— Thorough cleansing, airing, and sunning. The causative organism is short-lived outside the host. General Measures.—The attendant of the case should wear a gauz” mask. During epidemics persons should avoid crowded assemblages, street cars, and the like. Education as regards the danger of promiscuous coughing and spitting. Patients, br>< aus? of the tendency to the development of broncho-pneumonia, should be treat'd in a well-venti-lated, waim room.

VACCINE TREATMENT. THE AUCKLAND EXPERIMENT. DOCTOR TREATS HIMSELF. The cable from Sydney, stating that vaccine-was being used in that city with considerable success in combating the influenza epidemic was referred to Dr. de Clive Lowe, of Auckland, this morning. Dr. Lowe has himself isolated the germs that have given rise to the scourge m Anckla nd. and he has prepared vaccine which ho tried on himself, apparently with considerable success. tie is now treating his patients generally with the vaccine. He stat-..d that several scicntifi-r.-aiiy-inclined men of the city had asked for the treatment, and all ot the cases treat'd are to lie watched and studi- d closely, 'll am still definitely of tlie opinion.” be said, ■'t.iat the seventy of the disease- is i-aus-.d by a severe pneumococus infection, following primary ini'>.«tion*jy n-ihu-nza. and that death, when it occurs. is g'-ncrally due to the germ of the furmer disease. In nearly every fatal ease, there is a pneumococus infection of the lungs, ine pericardium. the lining membrane of the heart, and in many cases, the liver. H'.t'.V THE VACCINE ACTS. "Wnatever ben-.tit may accrue from tlie use of the vaccine.” the doctor added, "is entirely due to the use of tlie organisms df Tnixe-d infection.' which supplies to the blood stream a further fighting force, enabling the system to overcome or c.-i'i'iiat the invading germs. Lt sh-niid Li,' reinomb; red that it is only ice <i-:id bodies of germs that arini 'i te,’. and for lais purpose the d--.td bacteria are held m solution ' if I may say so. the ■>.-xtr;iiU ■ f th-’se dead germs supp'y t j the blood stream certain cells it is these opsonins wi;i -h combat the disease, not ms.’ ADVICE <-F A DOCTOR. \Y ’ ■ ; ’ i-.I . - G t 11 : < Ki't i ri-overed from an attack of inlhienza. says the most important thing i< to go to bed at the i cry onset of the disease, and not to get up till at

least 24 hours after all signs of temperature have disappeared. The first symptom is usually a tickling cough with no feeling of illness, but after 24 hours there is a general feeling of lassitude and seediness ; if the temperature is then taken, it will be found to be above the normal, and by tnat time the patient should be in bed with the mind made up that he will remain there for at least a week if necessary. About the third day of illness, if the attack pursues its usual course, the patient feels better, and may want to get up and go about; it is tnen that the greatest care must be taken that pneumonia does not set in, for as a rule tffie disease has not ended its course, and it will be several days longer before the patient should undertake even light duties. It is wise for all to obtain thermometers, and get either a doctor or nurse to teach the household how to use it. Temperatures should be taken morning, noon, and evening ;if tnis is done, fewer mistakes will be made. FREE MEDICAL HELP WHERE NECESSARY. A circular telegram sent toalj Hospital Boards by the Minister of Pub lie Health states that in connection with the epidemic it is important that no person should be prevented by want of money from obtaining medical assistance. In all cases where a Hospital Board receives information that necessitous persons are unable for lack of funds to obtain medical aid, assistance is to be given. The board is to certify to the amount, and the Health Department will pay. This applies to nyadical aid and medicine.

FEEDING IN INFLUENZA. (Abridged from “Influenza, its His tory, Nature, Cause, and Treatment,” bv Arthur F. Hopkirk, M.D.) Experience has shown that milk is undoubtedly tne proper food to be taken during the feverish stage of influenza ; beef-tea, meat soups, and broths, meat extracts and essences, are contra indicated iff tne early stage of influenza, because the extractives of which they are so largely "Composed only increase the headache and overtax the kidneys, but later on, that is to say, the postfever stage and during convalescence, such preparations of meat mAy be used with advantage, because the extractives then act as .stimulants to appetite and digestion. Contrary to popular ideas, milk is not only a complete food, but is also the most digestible of all foods if consumed in a reasonable way. Milk should only be given in small quantities and at regular intervals. Remember that: 1.1 fluid ounces every hour equals 1 4-sths pints a day. 2 fluid ounces every hour equals 2 2-sths pints a day. fluid ounces every hour equals 3 pints a day. 21 fluid ounces every two hours equals 1J pints a day. 5 fluid ounces every two hours equals 3 pints a day. 5 fluid ounces every four hours equals 1A pints a day. 10 fluid ounces every tour hours equals 3 pints a day. It may be mentioned tnat a tablespoonful in half a fluid ounce, a tea spoonful is half a fluid ounce, a teacupful five fluid ounces (|-pint); a breakfastcupfui 8 fluid ounces. It is well to begin with small doses, say, 2.1 ounces of milk every hour. Being a concentrated food, milk requires dilution with some alkaline mineral waler, or to have an anti-curdLng preparation added to it, of which me best is maitine. In cases ol influenza unaccompanied by bronchial or lung trouble, milk, hot or cold, may be given with soda water, plain water and maitine, barky, rice or lime water, or peptonised. In the feverish stage of uncomplicated influenza, an adult should take tnrte pints of milk a day. Half a pint of vegetable soup with thin gruel -or egg albumen may be sub stituted for each of two milk foods during the day so as to render the diet less monotonous. Hot milk and soda water (1J to 2 ounces of each) must be given in cases of influenza bronchitis, and broncho-pneumonia. In all eases of serious complications the patient must be guided by medical advice. But if this is not available in cases of bronchitis, plenty of hot liquid food should be given every two or three hours, milk and soda water, milk and gruels with maitine, if there is no loosepess of the bowels, peptonised or pancreatised milk, milk and egg albumen, vegetable soup, wine jellies if also available, and a coupe of tablespoonfuls of raw meat juice should be given three or four times a day in any cold or tepid drink, or with fruit jelly. In cases of the gastro-intestinal variety, milk.with equal parts of lime water and rice water with the addition of Sanatogen, if the quantity taken is insufficient, or peptonised milk may be given. A combination of milk and albulcatine gives excellent results. Gruels are to be avoided so long as there is any tendency to diarrhoea. ’[’he patient in influenza, as _in other feverish diseases, should drink plenty of water or soda water, as this helps to remove the poisons from the system. The safest plan to folk"-'.' I’ter the feverish stage of influenza is over is to begin with modified or varied form of fever-diet, and proceed by gradual stages to the ordinary food and feeding of daily life. It is needless to say that all rich, highly flavoured, and indigestible foods are sti■ i<■ ty forbidden.

yICK ROOM RECIPEf?

Yesterday /we published some recipes for the sick room. Here are a few mdre that wil] lie found useful in the present time of stress. Lemon Whey.—Boil a pint of milk with two or three drops of lemon juice ; strain through muslin and express all the fluid from the curd. To increase the strength of the whey, raw meat juice, Carnine Lefrancq, or eggs previously whipped with boiling water and strained may be added. When neither milk nor whey can be tolerated, albulactine must be tried. Macaroni. —Sufficient use is not made of macaroni in English invalid cookery. It is easily digested and absorbed, leaving very little residue in the intestines, and although it contains eight times less nitrogenous substance than meat, it enhances the nutritive value of beeftea. broths and soups, and makes a -very nourishing pudding with egg?, ami milk. For a cup of beeftea or a plate of broth or soup put a tablespoonful of one-inch length of macaroni into a pint of water just off the boil; flavour with £ alt and pepper : ' -i! aril’)'. ur-Tji rhe rr-aea’--oni is just s--n ; -i.-a.n in a co'.m;nEr. Have the bee tier. c. : y ready hot in a

a small saucepan, add the strained macaroni, ' let simmer for five minutes, serve. Milk Jelly.—Dissolve 1 oz. of isinglass in a pint of milk; simmer for a few’ minutes, flavour with brandy, sweeten to taste ; strain through a piece of fine muslin and pour into small moulds to set. The addition of a little cream makes it more nutritious. Savoury Custard. —Mix a cup of beeftea with a well beaten egg: flavour with pepper and salt. Pom the mixture into a buttered cup or mould, and stand in a p?.n or boiling water till set. Multon, chicken, and veal, also make tasty custards. Soup, Vegetable.—Pv.t half a pin', of very finely chopped vegetablescarrots, turnips, cabbage, lettuce, celery, spinach, kale (no onions), into a saucepan, with a quart of water and a little mint, parsley, ■ind plenty of finely chopped herbs. Heat gradually to boiling point ; let boil down to one pint, and pass through a hair sieve, taking care to press all the juice out of the vegetables. How and when this soup is to be used is mentioned in the text. Soups, Meat. —For invalids meat soups, as distinguished from mear broths, should always contain plenty of the expressed juice, of vegetables. They may be easily prepared bv adding the vegetable soup of the preceding paragraph to beeftea 01 anv simple meat broth. White Wine Whey.—To half a pint of milk, while boiling, add a wineglassful of sherry or white wine ; strain through muslin, and sweten to taste with pounded sugar.