INFLUENZA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17950, 18 November 1918, Page 5

INFLUENZA.

SITUATION' SERIOUS. SIXTEEN HOSPITAL DEATHS YESTERDAY. DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AT WORK. The influenza epidemic shows no signs of abating at present, but now that public feeling is aroused to the necessity for drastic measures to combat tho disease it is hoped to hold tho outbreak in check. Hundreds of volunteer workers during tho last few days have lent their aid in various capacities to the measures devised by the Health Department to cope with tho visitation. Complete statistics regaining tlio ravages of the epidemic aro not available, but it may ho stated that from midnight on Saturday to JO p.m. yesterday sixty-two cases were admitted to the Christchurch Hospital, and fifteen deaths occurred in that institution. Forty-six of tho cnees admitted were transferred to the auxiliary hospital established at the Royal Hotel, where fifty-five cases wore being attended to yesterday, and where one death occurred. POSITION REVIEWED. STATEMENT BY DR CHESSON. “ We still want all the workers wo can got,” said Dr Chesson, district health officer, last evening. “ With our present organisation wo were able to attend to a Jingo number of cases today. Serious cases received trained attention, and tho voluntary workers did nobly in attending to tlio milder casos, as well as many serious ones. 'Tho Automobile Association did tho utmost service in its provision of cars, and I desire to express my sincercst appreciation of the response they made in tho call for help.” Questioned as to tho position, Dr Chesson said that there was no time now to Keep statistics; tho making up of tho records would havo to wait until later. “Our whole endeavours,” ho remarked, “ aro being concent rated in getting the thing down.” In this connection he said that it could not too olton, and too emphatically ho urged upon sufferers from tho disease that it was of the highest importance that they should refrain from mixing among tho general community either in the streets or in any other place frequented by the public. The report just to hand from Timaru was that tho position thero was well iu hand, and that satisfactory arrangements had been mado in Temuka to deal with tlio epidemic. Special arrangements wero being made at Hanmer to deal with the worst cases. QUICK BURIALS URGED. “I want particularly to refer to burials,” stated tho Health Officer on Saturday. “It is regrettable that I should havo to ask for burials as quickly as possible following death, but thero is no option, in tho interests of tho living. I trust people will realise tho very serious consequences that may result from delay. I wish also to once more lay stress on the point that only the immediate connections of deceased persons should attend burials.” TIIE HOSPITALS. INTERVIEW WITH. COLONEL WYLIE. Colonel D. S v Wylio, officer in charge of the orthoptedio unit, who has assumed tho direction of affairs at tho Christchurch Hospital during tho absence of I>r Fox, medical superintendent, temporarily laid up from overwork, informed a “ Lyttelton Times ” reporter last night that the position in regard to tho epidemic was no better, neither was it any worse. There was no reason why people should ho alarmed because of tho large number of deaths which took place at tho hospital. The figures at tho institution wero quite disproportionate when compared with the number of cases in tho city and suburbs, taken as a whole. Only the very worst cases wero admitted at thb hospital and some, were hopeless from tho time of admission. There wan no reason why people should be alarmed becauso they contracted influenza. There was ail extensive epidemic of the ordinary form of influenza, but in a great many instances the attack was mild. There was undoubtedly a vicious pneumonic organism at work, and it developed most, disastrously where tho patient’s condition was favourable to such development. It should bo impressed on convalescents that they were prime carriers and infectors for seven days after normal temperature had been regained, and during that, period they had no right to mix with other people, much less to think of travelling about. There was, 100, tho danger oi a second attack, which would probably develop complications. 'The admissions to the hospital between midnight of Saturday and ten o’clock last night, ho stated, were 6ixty-two, forty-six of which wore transferred to the Royal Hotel hospital. Fifteen deaths had occurred in tho Christchurch Hospital and one at the Royal Hotel hospital. T|,o arrangements made to take over tlio tea pavilion at the Metropolitan Trotting Club’s grounds at Addington would relievo the congestion in the central hospitals greatly. There would be accommodation for one hundred patients in the pavilion. DR MACGIBBON APPEALS FOR MEN. Thero were fifty-three cases in tho ova! Hotel Hospital at six o'clock last night. Dr M.acGibbon told a “Lvttolton Times” reporter that his staff of local assistants had settled down to work with a will and was carrying out duties faithfully. The women had answered the call finely, but there was a lamentable shortage of men. “ Where aro the men of Christchurch ?” said Dr Mac Gibbon. “ I want their help. There’s a lot of work to he done. I want men for the lifts and other work. To-dav ! have had four men working like Trojans. But l want many more. Tell the men of Christchurch to roll up and help, help, help.’’ Yesterday the right of wav to vehicles on Oxford Terraco, other ‘ than those conveying patients to the Royal Hotel Hospital, was stopped by blocking the road with a rope, while red signs were erected at„ tho Montreal Street and Antigua Street intersections. TROTH NO CLUB'S BUILDINGS TAKEN. Dr Chesson stated last evening that tho Christchurch Hospital was now taxed to its full capacity of patients. Such was also practically the case with the Royal Hotel Auxiliary Hospital, but it might, bo possible to arrange for tho admission of a few more patients to each of these institutions.

Tlie Department had now taken over the buildings at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s grounds, but, it must be understood that these buildings were not yet ready to receive patients. Every effort would bo made to equip them for hospital purposes as speedily as possible. In the matter of additions to the staffing three trained n irses were due to arrive in Christelnin h from Hanmer last, evening, together with two voluntary nurses from Hm Queen Mary Hospital there. Tbcwm would form On*

nucleus of the staff at, the Trotting Grounds Hospital. NO NEED TO USE BOTTLE LAKE. Afr 11. B- Sorensen, chairman of the Hospital Committee of the Hospital Board, stated on Saturday that it would not be necessary to •use the bottle Lake Hospital for influenza patients. There wore about fifty-seven eases in the General Hospital, and the accommodation there, together with the uso of the Royal Hotel, lie thought, would bo sufficient. If further buildings wero required, the Technical College would be tho most suitable, but lie did not think the authorities would have to call on that institution. MEDICAL HELP. COUNTRY BEING COMBED. The South Island is being combed for medical help. A batch of iriedktd students arrived from Dunedin last night. All local military doctors available havo given their services. Dr E. Jennings arrived from Auckland yesterday. Dr Alico Moorhouso is amsngst the volunteers. THE ROYAL HOTEL. PATIENTS RUSHED IN. Patients wero being rushed into tho auxiliary hospital in the Royal Hotel in motor-cars on Saturday. About twenty cases were admitted up to 1 p.m. tho St John Ambulance Brigade’s ambulance was used without cessation. Nurses with masks were, in attendance. Dr Mae Gibbon has sufficient volunteers without, experience. He now needs more trained nurses, and many of them. As might bo expected things do nob run smoothly at the new institution. When Dr Mae Gibbon entered to take charge on Saturday morning all tho ordinarv furniture was there. A great deal of it had to he removed, and make-shift hospital furniture placed in tho rooms. Dr Mae Gibbon, after having worked all Friday night, was still on duty till lato on Saturday. THE DISPENSARY. AN APPEAL FOR BOTTLES. Mr W E. D. Bishop and several other well-known citizens were kept busily engaged at the central medical depot in the Patriotic Stall in Cathedral Square yesterday, commencing duty in tho early morning and closing when the demand for tho standard medicine ended for tho day at about 9.80 p.m. It was estimated that nearly ono thousand customers wero served during tire day. Mr Bishop makes an appeal for more medicine bottles. There is enough to keep up with demands tor tho next two days, but unless stocks are replenished by then there will bo a shortage. AN EXPERT’S ADVICE. EXPERIENCE FROM AUCKLAND OUTBREAK. VALUE OF ORGANISATION. Colonel Edward Jennings, N.Z.M.0.,/ arrived from the north yesterday. He has come to Christchurch at tho request of the Minister of Publio Health tor the purpose of collaborating with Dr Chosson, in dealing with the influenza epidemic, Colonel Jennings having been closely in touch with the system adopted at Auckland to combat tho disease. Interviewed by a representative of tho ‘• Lyttelton Times ” last night, Colonel Jennings made the following statement: — It is impossible for anyone who has not had personal experience of matters in Auckland to realise the conditions that prevailed. Influenza of a severe type had been prevalent for some weeks; a few deaths had occurred ; tho papers wero publishing scare articles; no ono talked of anything but influenza; and then quite suddenly tho disease became pandemic. For a few days new cases occurred by thousands, confusion reigned everywhere, until finally organisation prevailed and work became more effectual. At first everyone was going in all directions, certain people wero scon by two or three doctors, others wore unvisited, influenza “remedies” of all sorts were being swallowed, chaos reigned supreme, and a verv considerable mortality followed. Auckland then roso to the occasion. Helpers of all sorts became numerous and energetic, but it took days to get tho work coordinated.

I do not blamo Auckland. Tho disaster camo upon it like a flash and swept through it. like a. prairie fire. There was practically no time to organise. At once everyone was busy fighting. The other centres have tho benefit of Auckland’s experience. They may or may not. havo the disease in true pandemic form, hut if they do, tho organisation should he ready to prevent overlapping and confusion. It must be remembered that organisation does not prevent the pandemic—it merely ensures the most efficient use of all the means at our control to alleviate the distress. After my first morning’s work 1 proposed tho block system, which is now being adopted. Let me explain this in detail, for tho mere dividing the town into blocks will lie of iii tie use unless tho details are settled:— A. Central Committee. 11. Weeks; each block has a committee. tho chairman a member of central committee. C. Block divided into sections; each section lias a committee, the chairman a member of Block Committee. Thus a chain is formed from section to block to central committee. Each section is only large enough to he managed by one medical man. Each section lias hanging in its committee room a chart with its number above—say Section 24. On the chart are tbo names of all the streets, tho doctor in attendance, nurses, voluntary helpers ( food, motor-cars, volunteer nurses and helps, Hoy Scouts, etc.). All then are known by name and are ready for the emergency. A copy of each chart is hung up in tho central committee’s room. When a ease occurs and the street is given, it is found on the section, and doctors, nurses, helpers, etc., are at once advised., T). In each section is a temporary hospital of a few beds —ten to fifteen; a, trained nurse in charge with volunteers to assist, A big central hospital is a mistake; the ambulances have to cover too much ground, time is lost, and the effect- of long journeys on these patients is disastrous. E. Doctors and nurses should be mobilised. What if a private practice is somewhat upset? All minor matters must he put on out', side when such urgent necessity exists. 4 Is there any woman worth calling a woman who will demand the exclusive services of a nurse when other women are being left uncared for—for who will ask her doctor to leave urgent cases at the other end of the town when a duly qualified man is ready to attend her? Inconvenient, unpleasant it may bo, but with iso much at stake inconvenience is a minor matter. With regard to the treatment, all so-called influenza cures should bo avoided. TJtftil seen by a doctor, take only a mild laxative and a few drops of sweet spirits of nitre. _ .Most of the severe cases of pneumonia in Auckland had been taking these so-called remedies. My advice- is:—A warm hath or tepid sponging early: plenty of liquid, hot or cold, lemons, barley water, tea, milk apuj water, soup, etc. Keep quiet i

keop in a dark, well ventilated room, but no draughts; keep cheerful—the discomfort is short-lived—call in the doctor, but don’t be in a state of panic. NURSE MAUDE’S DEPOT. A BUSY SCENE. The new depot opened on Friday by Nurse Maude, on the west sido of Cathedral Square, presented a busy appearance on (Saturday. Outside stood a number of motor-cars, and cars were arriving and departing continuously. Those that arrived brought new volunteers for tho work, or perhaps a large can of soup or other articles of diet suitable for invalids. The motorists, having unloaded their charges, waited ready to lnirrv away a volunteer helper to some stricken home. A lady would come out of tho depot carrying a basketful of necessities for the work of mercy she was about to embark on. A motorist would immediately offer his services, and she would be driven away. Boy Scouts were also prominent, running messages or carrying soup and other foods to stricken families. If the Scout had to_ go some distance, a car was at his disposal; if not, he would walk. Then there were people with applications for help and patrolmen handing in their reports as to stricken families. Inside a band of willing workers dealt with all theso workers and applicants. HARD AT WORK YESTERDAY. Nurse Maude and her staff were kept busy from early yesterday morning to woll into tho night. There was a constant stream of motor vehicles and bicycles outside headquarters in Owen’s shop in the Royal Exchange Building, motorists being dispatched at short intervals to various parts of the city and suburbs with assistants and to serve in any other capacity required. Squads of Bov Scouts with bicycles were keptfully employed, as messengers. Inside the headquarters lady assistants had a very strenuous day. Messrs F. IT. Bowler and F. Ellis and. other gentlemen attended throughout the day, while a large number of prominent citizens lent valuable aid, particularly in connection with tho motor-car service. Every patient on the lists sent from Nurso Maude’s depot to the Health Department’s headquarters on Saturday bad a. doctor assigned to him or herThis was accomplished after the most strenuous and tiresome work. MORE HELPERS WANTED. Nurso Maude stated yesterday that thero had been a good response to the call for women helpers, but more were still wanted, and she begged that more would offer their services. “ It is night workers in particular that are wanted,” she stated, and intimated that- she would he glad if helpers would offer themselves for night duties on the following morning (to-dav), “I shall also want all the motor-car, motorcycle and bicycle assistance that can be given me,” she added. “ We are getting along satisfactorily, but there must bo no relaxation of effort.” Nurse Maude also stated that there was too much overlapping. Local committees sent assistance to houses and she was also rung up for help. It was very rough on tho nurses and assistants she controlled to send them to various parts of the city and suburbs to find cases being already attended to. She realised that overlapping was hard to prevent, but she hoped that all concerned would do their best to put a stop to this wnsto of energy. “ For goodness sake got the newspapers to make an appeal for women who will remain with patients during tho night,” said Nurse Maude lastevening. “'Hie Roman Catholic Sisters are practically the only, ones carrying on that work. Surely if those sisters can keep all-night vigils other women can. Those sisters are putting us to shame. 1 ask people to consider their feelings wore they themselves to be stricken and have to remain long, weary nights without anyone near. I appeal to our women to prove themselves in this great trouble. A little help from everyone who is well will see tho battle through. A little help may sare many lives.” TILE MAYOR’S REQUEST. ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO NURSE MAUDE’S DEPOT. In order to avoid overlapping, with its consequent waste of energy, the Mayor asks that all those requiring assistance in their homos should make their requests through Nurse Maude’s depot-. Yesterday several houses wero visited where nursing and other aid bad been rendered previously. Mr Holland also desires emphasis given to the fact that the visiting patrols do not include mifsing assistance in their duties. The arrangements for nursing aid are made through tho® central depot. M OTOR -CYCLISTS WA NTEL>. A largo number of motor-cyclists have been busily engaged during the last day or so carrying Nurse Maude's voluntary helpers to various parts of the city. A motor-cycle with side-chair is eminently suited for this work, and an appeal is made for more motorcyclists to offer their servicesTHE SOUP KITCHENS. IN FULL SWING. PROVISIONS AND CROCKERY WANTED. The soup kitchen in the Municipal Electrical Department buildings was in full working order on Saturday, and a busy band of workers, under Mrs Hastie. were kept going preparing soup and other invalid foods. A largo number of applications wero received lor soup and shortly after noon the last of the first- boiling was sent out to an elderly couple, both of whom were down with the disease and had no one to attend to them. Boy Scouts were in attendance to carry soup and other preparations to sufferers and to run messages. Mrs Hastie stated on Saturday that she wished to thank the public for their generosity in sending in eggs. milk, meat and other necessaries. She hoped tho generous supply that came in that morning would continue. “ The people have responded splendidly,” said Mrs Hastie, “but it is all wanted, and I ask them not to slacken their efforts.” Meat in particular is wanted, and also fowls for chicken broth. Tho soup kitchen in the Christchurch Gas Company’s premises was abo mring at full swing on Saturday, and large quantities of soup and gruel were scutout to the Nurse Maude depot, Cathedral Square, to a depot that has been opened at the St Luke’s Schoolroom, and to private houses. Three fourteen gallon coppers of soup and two fourgallon coppers of gruel wero kept going almost continuously. Custards and jellies wero also made and so.nt out. When a reporter called Miss Tabart, who is in charge, was busily engaged making jollies. She said that a largo number o* people had sent in gifts in money and kind, and to these she wished her sinccrost thanks conveyed. YESTERDAY ’ S ACT! VITIES. The soup kitchen in tho municipal electrical department’s building was open yesterday and large quantities of soups, jellies and custards were sent out both to Nurse Maude’s depot in Cathedral Square and to private houses. Miss It. Ross, who took a prominent part in starting the kitchen, said that a splendid suppiV of /mods had been sent- in. but if tho kitchen were to cope, with the demand the supply would have to be kept. up. Innumerable people had come in. during the day and they could have supplied four times tho amount if they had lrad

it. Milk, eggs, meat and fowls in any quantity are required. Barley is urgently needed. The kitchen was open at 9 a.in. and the workers were kept going until lato in tho afternoon. Several Boy Scouts gave valuable assistance. NEW KITCHENS STARTED. Mrs Hastio and Miss R. Ross yesterday made arrangements for opening three additional kitchens. One of those is in tho technical department of the Sydenham Public School in Queen Street, Sydenham. A start was made yesterday afternoon, and with the help of tho Sydenham Men’s Visiting Committee everything was put in order in a very short time, and’ a start was made preparing soups, jellies and custards. A supply of these will be ready to send out this morning, when thekitchen will open at nino o’clock. Miss Ponder, cookery instructor, is in charge. A start was also mado on a kitchen in the cookery room of tho Girls’ High School, with Miss Burns, cookery instructor, in charge, and it is hoped to open another in the cookery room of St Margaret’s College to-day. Mrs Hastie stated that all these kitchens will be necessary, for at present the supply could not keep up with the demand. The public had been wonderfully generous with their donations in money and kind. Mrs Hastie wishes it clearly understood that the kitchens are run under the direction of the Health Department and Nurse Maude. Tho methods of preparing food are in accordance with Nurse Maude’s instructions. Tho Nurse Maude depot has first call; on supplies, but individual applicants arc also attended to and are invited to visit the kitchens if in need. Mrs Hastie makes a special appeal for fresh eggs. Gifts of baking dishes, cups (broken handles do not matter) and other receptacles likely to -he useful in the making of soups, jellies and custards, will bo gladly received either at the city electrical department kitchen, corner of Manchester and Armagh Streets, or at the Sydenham School, where a branch depot lias been established. “NO TIME FOR RED TAPE.” Mr A. M, Loasby, who is working very enthusiastically in the influenza, campaign, yesterday made a complaint that some helpers were being handicapped by red tape methods adopted. He had, lie stated, received urgent calls, in instances for soups, and had been told to requisition for it in writing. “This is no time for red tape,” stated Councillor Loasby. “If I want soup for twenty cases I have no time to writo out requisitions.” THE RED CROSS KITCHEN. ■ Tho Red Cross Society has turned its attention for tho moment from soldiers to civilians, and its members are working energetically at the soup kitchen in the society’s building in Manchester Street. Miss Beck (Technical College Hostel) is in charge during Mrs Brown’s temporary absence, and students of the hostel and ladies of the society are assisting _ iff tho making of soup and jellies. On Saturday thirty-two gallons of soup _ wero made at the kitchen. Work will be resumed at 8 a.m. to-day. WORK OF WOMEN’S NATIONAL RESERVE. The Women's National Reserve, under their president, Mrs "Wood, put in a very strenuous day yesterday at the soup kitchen in the city electrical chambers in Manchester Street and the Gas Company’s premises in 'Worcester Street. It, was mentioned to a reporter yesterday that those who are able and who pay for the soup served to them wi:l help to swell the fund for necessaries for those who are in immediate need of assistance. Numerous call? arc being made for custards and jellies for patients, and these can be the more readilv supplied if there are funds available. The Women’s National Reserve would welcome donations for procuring custards and jellies in particular. Mrs Evans, who was in charge at, the soil]) depot in Worcester Street yesterday afternoon, mentioned that black currant jam and lemon squashes were urgently needed and donations of these would be gladly received. BEATIES KITCHEN. The firm of Beatles Ltd. has mad® special arrangements in its tea- room to provide the following dainties for invalids during the influenza epidemic! —Beef tea, mutton broth, strengthening soup, meat jellies, sweetbreads, fish, brains, gruel, orange or lemon bar ley water, lemon, fruit, egg. milk jellies, savoury, sweet custards, and so forth. Applicants must supply their own dishes. The kitchen is connected with telephone 1029. KITCHEN AT LYTTELTON. A meeting was held on Saturday night in the Lyttelton Borough Council Chambers under the auspices of the Women’s National Reserve, when it was decided to establish a kitchen in tho Colonists’ Hall for tho purpose of providing soups, jellies and nourishing food for patients. It was further decided to call upon other women's organisations as well as the public to assist in the distribution of food, and the reporting of cases of illness and necessity. In cases of distress tho grant of food will bo free of charge. 'l’he kitchen was opened yesterday morning. DISLOCATION OF BUSINESS. ESTABLISI IMEATS CLOSING DOWN. The manager of a largo jewellery e® tnhlishnient stated on Saturday that he had decided to close his business until matters approached normal again. “We have hardly taken sixpence during the past' three days,” lie added. Several (onfeetionrry shops and other businesses have also been closed, while a number or wholesale bouses have either been compelled to discontinue or else open for a few hours in the mornings, owing to the depletion of their staffs SHOPS TO CLOSE AT 3 P.M. Tho order for the time of the closing of shops, offices and factories has now been altered to 3 p.m. daily. Exceptions from this regulation a,ro the wholesale and retail chemists, newspaper offices, and also the, tea houses and refreshment rooms, for which special provision as to hours was previously announced. CITY AND SUBURBAN HOTELS CLOSED. An order immediately closing the hotel bars in Canterbury within throo miles of the boundaries of any city *•’ suburban borough or town dis triot comes into force to-day, and will remain in operation until further notice. The order also applies to wine and spirit merchants’ premises and breweries. In the Westland part of the health district the hotel closing order has absolute effect over the whole of that area. TRAMWAY SERVICE. NO LATE TRAMS AFTER TUESDAY. Mr F. .Thompson, general manager of the tramways, announces that ou and after Tuesday, and until further notice, tho last cars will leave Cathedral Square at 5.15. So far as possible a normal service will be run during th® daytime, but the ravages of the present epidemic has compelled the curtailment of tho services at night. Of course, norma! running will be resumed as soon as the influenza epidemic has been checked. QUIETUDE IN CITY. A tour round the city on Saturday at noon substantially evidenced the effect which the epidemic is having qu the comiuun-

ity. Market-places, which on any ordinary Saturday, throb with life, vcro ; occupied by a few stragglers, who lolled around with • rather a listless air. The main streets were but thinly used both by pedestrian and other traffic. In the shops there was but little doing, and other places where the people most do congregate were .practically deserted. The closing down of the hairdressing saloons took miiny by surprise. In those establishments where the clients are in the habit of keeping in touch with current happenings and prohibitions, there were hut few who knocked vainly at the door, hut at some of these places of business there was many a casual caller who came in seeking the haircut and shave, but had to be turned away. DISTRICT ORGANISATION. FENDALTOX’S CAMPAIGN. dOME REASSURING STATISTICS. In a communication last.evening, Mr M. J. Gressonf chairman of the Fernlalton influenza depot, stated that tho work of his.organisation, and the result of its inquiries should' do much to allay public,’alarm. A systematic canvass had been made, and the figures were now complete enough to givo an indiea-' tion. of the position. Every house in. tho 1 block area had been visited, and a record made of the number of adults and children, and the futures showed a population of 1386 ami the number of cases 165, roughly about 12 per cent, With tho whole of these cases the de-pot-had been in touch within the last two days, and there were only two serious pneumonia cases in the area at prelent. Roth of these wore being attended bv a doctor, and one patient also hod a nurse in attendance. Mr Grossori held that these figures should bo instructive. In one particular street in Feudal ton, with a population of fiftr|our ■ adults and children, there were jure cases of influenza.. It was a significant fact that forty-seven of the residents had had influenza and had recovered. Saturday was a. busy day with thb depot, searching out the serious cases, and four of the.se had been sent to the Hospital in the evening under the doctor’s instructions. This left but the two serious eases previously mentioned in the district. If the figures for Fendalton were anything approximately correct, and could be taken as having a bearing;. on other parts, Mr Gresson thought they showed that the really serious oases were being treated at the hospitals, and the proportion of cases, recovering was. therefore .very large indeed. The Fendalton depot is in charge of a, competent nurse,'who instructs tho untrained helpers in the method of properly taking., temperatures .with tho thermometer; / On their return witli there records the nurse in charge is quickly able to form an opinion as to the nature of the cases, .and whether the attention of a doctor is at once required, A sheet is prepared showing every ease, and a: list of the temperatures is kept, these being filed daily, and if there is any alteration in a patient’s illness requiring the doctor’s aid the depot immediately, endeavours to K»t into touch with a medical, man.. RANGIORA. Although the epidemic is rife in Rangiora, up to the present there have been very few serious cases, and no doaths directly attributable to influenza.. The inhalation chamber, opened on Saturday morning, has been well patronised. The establishment of a temporary hospital in the Amberley School building, with about twenty beds;, and arrangements made to open another at Sefton, will greatly reduce j the work of the local doctors and con- I serve the time now spent by them in travelling lone distances to visit patients. Brockiehurst Hospital now full tip with patients, and a committee was formed yesterday to provide another hospital without delay, there i being several country patients requiring the attention of the skilled nurses- 5

Probably either the High School hostel or the bowling club's pavilion will bo commandeered for the purpose. A public meeting was held yesterday afternoon on the vicarage lawn, presided over by the -Mayor, at which the borough and immediate neighbourhood, excepting Southbrook, were divided' into blocks and a committee was formed for eaeo area to vid® every house to ascertain it assistance was required- Eight of the ladies present offered to act as nurses, or to assist in the homos of flic sick, and a large number of ladies signified their readiness to provide food for families where the mothers were In id up and to cook delicacies for invalids. The committees set about their duties alter the meeting, anti most of the houses , had been visited by the evening. The Boy and Girl Scouts have. made themselves extremely helpful in delivering messages. During Saturday and yesterday there were several deaths from tlie malady in North Canterbury, and a number of patients were yesterday reported to be in a critical condition.

SYDENHAM. At the meeting at Brougham Street, Sydenham, on Friday night, Mr J. Black was elected chairman of the District. Committee. The headquarters will be at the Sydenham Library. The whole district was covered by those at the meeting. An inhalation chamber will be set, in the Sydenham Library, and should he ready to-day. A meeting of the committee was held at tho Sydenham library _ last evening, Mr J. A. Black presiding. Reports were handed in covering the whole district, and a largo number of ea.ses requiring assistance were dealt with, Mr Black reported that a depot would bo. opened in Sydenham to-day for supplying medicine and medical comforts, for which application should be made to Mr Shepherd, at the lire brigade station. ST ALBANS. Mr A. Williams has been appointed chairman of the St Albans District Committee. BURWOOD. The Bur wood district is well m hand ni present. About twelve families are affected, and are being nursed by local people. Should the complaint get out of hand the residents will ask for the To Oranga Home, in order to save time going from house to house. The StLuke’s Boy Scouts are camped in the school playing fields, and ’are giving invnlualif! help. Mr P. Carrington is on hand all the time.

RTCCARTON. There was a good attendance at a mooting held in the Ricearton Borough Council Chambers on Friday evening to consider measures to combat the epidemic. _ Mr .T. P.rown, the Mayor, presided. Arrangements were made to assist all those in need of help. The Borough Council, it was reported, had established an inhalation room adjacent to the council buildings, and the council employees hud been busy at work disinfecting the channels in the district. The Mayor of Ricearton appeals for gifts of soup, broth, custards and jellies, which should bo sent to the Riccarton Borough Council Chambers any time between 9 n.m. and 9 pun- ' An appeal is also made for volunteer nurses. NORTH LI N WOODCouncillor IT. F. Herbert stated yesterday that tho North Limvood and Dallington districts had been thoroughly canvassed. ’ There were several had cases, which, when discovered, were immediately attended to. The services of a large number of men and women helpers had been offered. .It had been decided to.open a depot at, Mr Herbert’s house, at No. 122, Taacred Street, Linwood, which. Limvood residents were asked to attend for requirements. and inquiries instead of tlie central depot, in order to relieve the strain. Attendants will he present continuously to answer inquiries. A number of ladies of. the district are preparing soup and jellies. Councillor Herbert is trying to'arrange for an inhalation chamber to he established in

Gloucester Street East, near tho Dallington Street bridge. Reports from workers in the district suggested that there was an improvemcnt~yesterday. Tho epidemic was still severe,'biit the most serious cases had been located, and were being treated. While the patrol system is being energetically carried out, there may he cases that by reason of sudden development may not he known. Councillor Herbert, requests, in such event coming under the notice of a resident, that communication should be made immediately with him at his house by call or by telephone message to 3112 M. WOOLSTON. Mr W. Y. Siddall (town clerk of Woolston) remained at the Wools ton Borough Chambers during Saturday and yesterday. The local patrols rej ported a few serious eases. The area i mostly affected was ill the vicinity of Richardson _ Street.' Tho immediate tanneries district was reported to he wonderfully free from the epidemic. Tho reports generally showed a. prevalence of mild eases, in the majority of cases the 'patients being convalescent. The tramway car placed at the Coronation Memorial near the Fire Brigade station has been freely patronised, on Saturday oftornoon and evening in particular, there being practically a continuous stream of people seeking tho preventive treatment. A small but very enthusiastic ladies’ committee has been doing great service in the way of dispensing soup and in making calls to render assistance. More ladies are urgently needed, however, and Mr Siddnll will be at the. chambers to-diiy and to-night to take names of helpers and issue directions. The Mayor and councillors are working wholo-heartedlv in the matter. There was a confident feeling among the officials yesterday that the epidemic was being well gripped in tho Woolston district., and that if all precautions were taken and the advice given by the health authorities followed it would be mastered in reasonably good time. NEW BRIGHTON. The Mayor of N T ew Brighton reports that excellent work is being done by helpers in the borough. Motor-cars arc urgently needed, and soup is still required. Urgent requests for help should he addressed to the .Borough Council Chambers, telephouo 350.3 K. SPREYDON. Fifty attended the meeting which was held on Friday evening at the Spreydon I Borough Council Chambers to devise means to combat tho influenza epidemic. The Mayor (Mr W. 11. Winsor) presided. It was decided to divide the borough into four districts, and a committee was appointed to attend to each division. It was decided to commence a, house-to-house patrol immediately. Help and nourishment will he given where necessary, and arrangements have been made to secure a supply of the standard influenza mixture, which would he sold at the usual price. One inhalation chamber was already in operation in the borough, while two had also hren opened on the boundary of the district. Arrangements are being made to open another one at the foot of tho liille. UPPER, HICOARTON, An open-air meeting, convened by the Rev York, chairman of the Bnrgcssp.s’ Association, was held at Upper Ricearton on Friday to devise means of checking the epidemic. It was reported that a number of ladies and gentlemen had volunteered to canvass the district to relieve cases of distress. It was suggested that the Health Department should bo approached with regard to tho opening of a hospital in tho district. Medicine can now he. obtained at the depot which has now been opened opposite the Bush Inn Hotel. ST LUKE'S DISTRICT. Tlie meeting to organise St Luke’s district was well attended on Friday, Mr It. C. Bishop presiding. Very complete arrangements were made for patrolling and for voluntary aid, and a dispensary and advice department are at present in full swing. HEATHOOTE 00-UNTT. Residents of Henthcote Valley requiring assistance should- communicate with Mr 0. Fla veil, county chairman, Henthcote. The standard Influenza remedy is obtainable, free if necessary, • at E. I. Dennis's store, corner Garland’s Rond and. Opawa. Road. A meeting will he held at H p.m. to-dnv in I rout of the Henthcote railway station. SUMNER, j The epidemic in the Sumner borough now appears t,o be well unde*' control. I The serious cases, are improving, and others are progressing very favourably. In Sumner itself there were very few iiY-sli oases yesterday. The whole of the borough is thoroughly organised to fight tho disease, and a. large numbor of volunteers are assisting. Regular visits are being made by the nursing committees, delicacies and soups are being provided privately and owners of motor-cars and cycles are rendering valuable assistance. A busy staff has hunted up and cleaned a large number of medicine bottles, and medicines and supplies of disinfectant are available at the Council Chambers. The Boy Scouts are rendering good service as messengers. The .Mayor (the Hon J. ■Barr) has secured an inhalation chamber for Redeliffs and tho public are making good use of it. In Sumner to date 2.370 people have passed through the ear. The regular patronage of the inhalation chamber is generally regarded as a big factor in the present highly satisfactory state of affairs. During last week thoro were no deaths from influenza,

LYITELTON CASES. An able seaman off the American, barque isolated at the Heads was taken to Lyttelton on Saturday morning and sent to the Christchurch Hospital. He is suffering from pneumonia. Mr A- S. Crosbio, engineer of the s-s. Breeze, died at the Lyt telton Casualty AVard on Saturday night. There were no deaths reported in Lyttelton yesterday. 'Sister Gooding, tvho is in charge of the casualty ward and the new auxiliary ward at Lyttelton, stated last; evening tie . all the cots, numbering twenty, at the auxiliary ward were occupied. The town clerk- stated last evening that arrangements would have to be made to-day tor an additional ward. IN OTHER CENTRES. HOTELS A NO BREWERIES TO CLOSE. [Per Pram Association.] WELLINGTON, November 16. Cabinet, has decided that when the Wellington hotels dose at 4 p.m. to-day tliev will remain doped until further notice. 'Hie restriction will _ apply to all hotel and club bars in boroughs or town districts or within a radius of throe miles of the boroughs. Hospital* boards and other local health authorities have been instructed to obtain supplies of alcoholic liquors, to ho dispensed only on medical prescription. Breweries and the wine and spirit businesses also are to dose down till further notice. This applies to all cities, boroughs and town districts. SEVENTY SOLDIER VICTIMS. DEPUTATION DEMANDS CLOSING OF BARS. [Pep. Pr.nfs Association.] WELLINGTON, November 10. The names aro published of seventy soldiers who have died throughout the Dominion of influenza during the past week Maoris aro suffering badly, and ‘all tangis have been forbidden. The railways will not carry travellers to tangis.

A deputation to tlie Hon G. \V. Russell demanded the closing of all bars. The deputation laid stress on the fact that their experience in visiting houses and handling cases showed that far too much drinking was going on by people of both sexes. Assistants in hospitals complained of having to attend people reeking of liquor. The deputation threatened that they would abandon the work of relief unless something was done. Mr Russel! said that all committees would be consulted, and if they were anything like Unanimous, tho closing oi bins would receive his most careful consideration The Minister considers that there is a perceptible improvement, but the cry is still for more workers, and especially more doctors. Most of the churches have abandoned all services to-morrow. WELLINGTON TELEGRAPH OFFICE. [Pen Pkbsb Association.) WELLINGTON, November 16. 1 he staff of tho Wellington telegraph orhco has beon reduced io pmcticnlly one half, and it is quite impossible to cope with the work, even under the restricted conditions imposed. IN WELLINGTON. FRUIT AND FISH COMMANDEERED. [From Otr Correspondent'.] WELLINGTON, November 17. A thousand cases of smoked blue cod commandeered by the Government, will be distributed to the public by the Labour Department, primarily for the hospita.s, etc. Ah- Massev says a portion will bo made available for the south. The same remark apples to fruit commandeered here. A fruit boat is due at Auckland on Wednesday from Fiji. The cargo will he requisitioned. '] he watersiders at Wellington agreed to work two coal ships and fruit boats. J here is a possibility that tlie Hincmon will carry mails south on Monday, but not passengers. lim matter is undecided. The. House will almost certainly adjourn from day to day from Tuesdav Tho epidemic still, is extensive in Wellington, but is being grappled with. Government House at Auckland is available for convalescents. The Hon G. W. Russell .is Diirohasing forty thousand eggs in Christchurch for the use of Wellington patients. IN AUCKLAND. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, November 16. As the position has lightened the earing for convalescents has become a big problem. The organisation is being extended to cover this phase of work, and to supply food and other requisites m cases of disease. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, November 17. The general position regarding influenza is reported to be better, reports from outlying_ districts being reassuring. In tho city institutions the number of convalescents is rapidly increasing. The deaths reported in tho institutions for tho twenty-four hours ended midnight Fas twenty-six, nine more being reported to 1 p.m. to-dav. WATERSIDERS STOP. [Per pßxflH AeteciArrow.] . DUNEDIN, November 16. At a stop-work meeting to-day at Port Chalmers the Watersiders’ Union decided to suspend work on tho waterfront until: Monday week, in order to assist tho Health authorities to cope with the influenza epidemic. It was resolved, also, to approach the .Health Depaitmcnt, with a view of having shipping isolated, and to ask the Department to close hotel bars altogether. With the exception of the shipwrights, the other waterfront trades agreed to fall into line. OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND, [Pun Press Association,] DUNEDIN, November 16. _ Influenza, has been responsible for eight deaths in tins Dunedin hospital to date, including Nurse Mary Watson, with two years’ sendee. Notifications of fresh cases in the entire Otago and Southland district number twenty-live to-day, with only five m Otago proper. There are over a hundred cases in the Dunedin hospital._ Knox Sunday School has been turned into a temporary hospital.

DEATHS AT WANGANUI. [Per Press Association,] WANGANUT, November 16. A conference of local bodies decided to ask the Minister to close nil bars in the district. It is proposed to close tho town for several days. WANGANUT, November 17. Influenza continues, but the number of cases reported to-day is less than it was yesterday. Tho authorities have opened two additional hospitals, also one for Maoris. Another large suitable building is ready if required. There were at least six deaths from pneumonia during Saturday and to-day. A number of serious cases have been reported. Only urgent cases are being admitted to hospitals. Inspecting nurses are visiting people and advising a course of treatment. FLOUR SHORT IN 'WESTPORT. [Per Press Association.] V ESTPORT, November 17. Owing to the prevalence of influenza the watersiders have decided to suspend work until Thursday. There are fourteen cases in tho hospital, including Dr Monson, the superintendent, and Captain Vasia, of the e.s. Paeroa. Three deaths have occurred. In the district whole families are stricken. Voluntary nurses are rendering great service. Owing to the shipping dislocation there is .hardly any flour in the town, and bakers state they will not he able to keep up the supply of bread more than a few davs.

POSITION AT GREYMOUTH. [Per Press Association.] GREYMOUTH, November 16. Tiro influenza epidemic is very serious. The main hospital i s full, and the Technical School, which is used as a supplementary hospital, is also crowded. Seven deaths have occurred in three days. It has been decided to close all business places on Thursday next, arid the town will be. fumigated by the Health Officer. NOTES. In regard to thirty sisters whose services wpre offered by Bishop Brodie at Tuesday’s meeting, all had been called tor before. 6 p.m. on l-riday. Bishop Brodie states that outside hospitals and other institutions, any applications for tho help of the, sisters should be made through Nurse Maude. If communication is made to the Influenza Depot in Cathedral Square expedition will be secured and overlapping will be. avoided. - A Westport telegram says that tho .Westport- branch o! the A.B.R.fs, passed the following resolution at a meeting on Friday night:— 1 “ That any railwayman having reason to believe Hint lie contracted the- influenza disease in or through the execution of his dutv he paid full pay to. the time he o |f. Work.” ■ Miss Muir, matron of the General Hospital, has been attacked, and j s in bed. It is reported that she is not. serioudv ill. Our ' Parliamentary reporter tele-i

graphs that there is a, strong movement afoot to secure the adjournment of the House until the influenza, epidemic subsides. . -All specialists in the medical profession in Christchurch are taking part in the campaign. They were amongst the first to offer their services to Hr Ghesson. Members of the Canterbury Automobile Association are invited to volunteer lor service at Nurse Maude’s depot from 9 a.m. to-day onwards. Until the epidemic abates dentists will undertake urgent dental treatment only. , The Rev A. 0. La wry, of Rugby Street, makes a- suggestion which he is of opinion will facilitate the work of the patrols and also call attention to residences where there are cases of sickness requiring attention, but at which there are no means of prompt communication. It is that .some simple means of signal should be adopted—say, even a, pocket-handkerchief tied to .a. gate-post—-which would be the means of attracting the notice of a patrol worker or passer-by, who could immediately make inquiry and communicate with the central depot. The necessity for some such signalling arrangement, Mr La wry states, has been most forcibly brought homo to him, especially in one case the other day. where ho met a child live years old on its way to the telephone to ring up for assistance, ft may be stated that the signalling method is already employed in some districts, notably in Spreydon. The advisory board of the Independent Order of 'Rechabit.es requests that all tent meetings shall be postponed til! after November 30. The National Mortgage and Agency Company’s offices and stores will be closed till Wednesday morning. 3>r Chesson stated on Saturday thattwo senior students of the Otago University, who are in Christchurch, had offered their services, and these were being gladly accepted. Tito Red Cross sales depot, Cathedra! Square, will not reopen until Wednesday morning owing to the. influenza. _ i’eoplo requiring medical attention are asked to bo particularly careful to give full and exact addresses to the Health Department or Central Depot. A patrof wiio paid a house-to-house , visit in portions of the Radley district' on Saturday found that mild influenza had been experienced in the large majority of houses. One, or two severe cases were reported, which were being attended. A member of one household died from pneumonia in tho Lyttelton Casualty Ward on Friday, but other members of the family had not been stricken with tho malady.

A suggestion was made at the mooting of the Woolston residents on Friday that the lights of the borough, which are usually put out at 1 a.m., should be kept on till daylight during! the epidemic. Jt is understood that the Wools ton Borough Council will give effect to tho suggestion. It has been suggested that it would be well to keep the whole outlying areas ns wc!| lighted as possible during tho epidemic period, as in some cases children are known to have been the only cues able to leave a home to seek help. The members of tho Woolston Fire Brigade have arranged to hold all-night vigils at tho station, where aid mav be sought, particularly ns to use of the telephone. Messrs Booth, Macdonald and Co. have opened an inhalation chamber at their works in Carlyle Street, which will be open to any member of the publie who makes application at the company’s office. All Boy Scouts are requested to assist local committees during tho epidemic. Several Scouts are wanted at Nurse Maude Depot ns messengers. A correspondent, complains that men and girls still showing the effects of influenza are attending to customers in some shops, and asks whether or not some drastic steps can bo taken to prevent this.

The. Health Department has informed tho Mayor that it has arranged with Messrs Williams and Stephens and Mr AY. Goss to _ Mve precedence to work connected with the making of coffins when requested to do -so.. Air W. H. Price lias sent the Mayor £5 ss. Contributions will be used to help urgent necessitous cases. The City Council will not meet this evening. Dr Chesson stated on Saturday tliut a sou’-west wind would ho unwelcome just now, as it would drive people indoors, and he would like to see q, warm nor'-wester-

An inhalation car has been, equipped in the station yard at Christchurch railway station lot the use of the employees. On inquiry on Saturday Mr F. A. Grant, assistant traffic manager, said that tho position in regard to the maintenance of the various services was very much the same as on the previous day. ’ “Wo are still managing to hold on,” ho remarked. Mr Wharton early on Saturday morning had chalk notices on footpaths in the city calling for forty lady workers.

VIEWS OF CORRESPONDENTS. «0 XHB JEOITOB. Sir,—We are doing all we can to alleviate the suffering caused by the present epidemic, and believe we have the town thoroughly organised in every district, ISo that every ease shall be attended to as soon as we are notified that assistance is required. But J would ask that the authorities (city and medical) should do their part—“the initial part to prevent the spread or the disease. Every business that supplies the publio with food or drink of any sort should be compelled to dip every plate, cup, glass or knife and fork into some standard disinfecting solution l>efore it is washed and used by the next customer- 'I am sure that if this custom had been insisted upon three weeks ago even, wo should not have reached such a sad state as we have. The present state of things, where cups, glasses, etc., are washed in the same water for a considerable length of time, is simply disgraceful, and I beg of the authorities to inquire if there is one establishment in this city who supply food, tea. or drinks, soft or alcoholic, where disinfecting is practised. In some the arrangements for cleaning are simply appalling. Some .of them deserve to be named. My advice until some such measure is enforced

is that everyone should insist that his plate, cup or glass has been disinfected, or leave without partaking.—l am, etc., S. E. MAUDE, District Nurse. TO THU EDITOR. j Sir, —I had a circular left with roe by one of the Riccarton patrols setting out what to do if attacked with influenza. So far so good, but it falls short of all that is required, inasmuch as it does not give the symptoms of this fell disease so that the people may know at the earliest moment what is the matter with them. I believe half of the public do not know what the symptoms are, and so keep about when they should be in bed.—.l am, etc., RICCARTON. TO TOT EDITOR. Sir.—A few months after the war started somo of the ladies of my district resorted to tho practice of sending white feathers to those of us whom they thought wore fit for active service. I served for three years without re-’ quiring tho stimulation which our lady friends thought necessary and returned a few months ago badly wounded. Lf view of the eagerness displayed by those who were so anxious for ‘others to take the risks and discomforts of a long campaign it reflects little credit upon the; courage of the Christchurch women for us to learn that there is a shortage of helpers during the present epidemic. Those of us who defended tho English working girl against the insinuations and innunedoes some months ago knew the great sacrifice and dangers they faced daily in France and the Homeland. It is, therefore, “up to” the local girl; to demonstrate t-o the soldiers that she is not behind the Homeland girl in facing whatever is to be faced readily and cheerfully. The pity of it is that she should require reminding of her duty.—l am, etc., RETURNED SOLDIER.