Influenza.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 48, 9 February 1920, Page 5

Influenza.

THE 191# TTPE IK CHRISTCHURCH TWO DEATHS IN HOSPITAL. Christchurch, Feb. 8. Two middle-aged men died of pneumonic influenza in Christchurch Hospital yesterday. Both had been inmates for less than a week, and both were in a serious condition when admitted. To-day there are five cases of severe and five of milder influenza in the hospital. A reporter who approached Dr. W. Fox. Medical Superintendent of Christchurch Hospital to-day, was informed that the cases being received at that institution were of the same type as those in the epidemic of November, 1918. There are, however, many grades of that type, and generally the disease is not so severe in its nature this tijne. DUNEDIN FAIRLY IMMUNE.

Dunedin, Feb. 8. In regard to influenza, very few notifications have been received during the week-end, but those received show that the outbreak is still of a mild type. Today the patients in Dunedin Hospital suffering from influenza number 42, of whom 38 are classed as severe (nonpneumonic) and four as pneumonic. The latter are sporadic cases of the type experienced in the army two or three years ago prior to the outbreak of pneumonic influenza in New Zealand in 1918.

The Health Department’s official bulletin ’to-day records a substantial decrease in notifications. There are 46 cases in Dunedin Hospital, including nine pneumonia. TWO CASES ON STEAMER. (Received 9,9.4 ft.) ' Sydney, Feb.. 9. Two cases of influenza are reported on the steamer “Konigin Luise” from London. A hundred mild cases are also reported from Thursday Islands.— (A. and N.Z.)

LOCAL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.

ENROLMENT OF NURSES.

In order to avoid the necessity for an emergency hospital in Hastings, an appeal is made in this issue to ladies- of the district asking them to take up the duties of nursing, «and offers of assistance in this direction from capable but not necessarily skilled nurses are earnestly solicited. The minimum pay is stated as 10/- per day. The committee also desire the assistance of orderlies, and offers of the use of motor cars, in case an emergency hospital has to be established, but if nursing help is forthcoming this will most probably be avoided. Those desiring to help should communicate, at once, with Mr. L. F. Pegler, honorary secretary to the organising committee, Hastings. NATIVE LAND COURT CLOSED.

The Health Authorities did not favor the re-opening of the Native Land Court at Hastings this morning, as influenza is still prevalent amongst the Maoris in the Hawke’s Bay district, two deaths having occurred since the Court adjourned last week. A ' further adjournment till Thursday, next was made as the Magistrate’s Court sits on Wednesday. A sitting of the Maori Board, for confirmation of sales and leases will be held to-morrow morning.

FURTHER CASES DURING THE WEEK-END. The number of cases notified to the Health Department increased materially during the week-end, but none of the cases notified are serious with the exception of two in the country areas. For the» week ending at noon to-day the cases notified were:—Gisboime Borough, 2; Cook County, 1; Napier Borough, 28; H.B. County, 23; Hastings Borough, 12. The report of the Department concerning the period from Thursday noon until noon to-day shows the following cases: —Gisborne 2(mild) ; Cook County, 1 (severe); Napier, 23 (mild); H.B. County, 17 (one severe); Hastings, 12 (mild). Those cases which could not be treated at their homes have been removed to the Napier Hospital, where there are about 20 patients in isolation. About six volunteer workers have been called up in Hastings and Napier.

WIRTH’S CIRCUS TO-NIGHT. SAFEGUARD FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Wirth’s circus arrived in Hastings at six o’clock this morning. The’ Inspector, after consultation with the Mayor (Mr. G. Ebbett) issued a permit to which was attached the following stipulations ;— This permit is issued by me, and accepted by you, subject to the following conditions:— (1) That it holds good for one day only, viz., the 9th February (under ordinary circumstances such .a permit is good for three months). • (2) That you will arrange that a queu be farmed where tickets are sold. (3) That you will arrange the tent in the manner described to myself and the Mayor, so that there will be as much ventilation and fresh air as possible. (4) That you will allow the Inspector and his assistants to fumigate the tents, and that, in addition to the ordinary fee, you will deposit now the estimated cost of this and the cost of clearing up and disinfecting the site after you leave. The conditions were accepted by Messrs. Wirth Bros., who undertook to carry them out in the letter and the spirit. The Mayor has arranged with Sergt. Hogan to have police in attendance to regulate the sale of tickets.

NAPIER REFUSES PERMIT. In connection with the influenza the Napier City authorities have deemed it advisable that the visit of Wirth’s circus should not be allowed, and the town clerk has accordingly telegraphed to the owners stating that no license will be issued for the circus to show in Napier. WAIPUKURAU VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY COMMITTEE. His Worship, the Mayor (Mr E. A. Goodger) convened a meeting of helpers of the 1918 Influenza Committee, in the Public Library on Saturday, the 7th inst., at 2.30 p.m. Also present: Dr. Reid, Rev. Stace, Messrs. Wilson, G. Smales, East (secretary Waipawa Hospital and Charijable Aid Board), and Mesdaznes "Stace, Chambers, Reid, Theobold and Joblin

Both His Worship the Mayor and Mr East explained the cause of the calling of the meeting, and suggested that although the influenza, epidemic was of a very mild form at present, it was still necessary to get voluntary committees into working order in case 1 of the spread of the disease. Dr. Reid spoke on the matter of getting the names of as many volunteer uurse helpers as possible, although he was of the opinion that with the same amount of helpers as volunteered during the last epidemic, we should be well served in (his borough and district. An executive committee was set up as follows: —Messrs. Goodger, McLean, Chambers and East, Mesdames Reid, Theobold and Stace. Honorary Secretary G. Smales. All present at the meeting volunteered to assist to the best of their ability if required. A public meeting on the same subject will be held in the Social Hall, Public Library, on Thursday, 12th inst., at 2.30 p.m.