THE LOCAL POSITION.

Marlborough Express, Volume LII, Issue 286, 21 November 1918, Page 5

THE LOCAL POSITION.

NO MARKED DEVELOPMENTS.

TWO DEATH'S RECORDED,

There is no evidence in to-day's reports that the influenza epidemic which has been raging in this district, in a comparatively mild degree, during the past ten days is seriously increasing. The position generally scorns to be satisfactory, and the outbreak is not of such virulence a.s to encourage public alarm. Jn running its course the epidemic has caused two more deaths, bringing the local deathroll for thq period of the outbreak up to three. Miss K. O'Lea-ry (Blenheim) died at. the, Waira'i Hospital yesterday, and the death of Mrs V. N\ Beasley (Blenheim) occurred at a prd-vat-o hospital early this morning. Death in each case was due to influenza complication. With the progress of the epidemic a number of serious cases are becoming assertive. There was little change at the Wairau Hospital this morning. Two patients wero on tho seriously ill list, and a few rresh cases had been admitted. Dr. Russell Adams indicated that four serious cases were claiming his atftontion, and a few more showed signs of serious symp coins. Tho lady volunteers, he said, were rendering valuable assistance" in the homes of afflicted people, and it was pleasing to note that others had como forward to< assist in a. direction where there was an acute demand for willing service. - _ There- is a popular impression that the accommodation at the Wairau Hospital has been and-is still, severely taxed as a lesult of the epidemic. This is contrary to fact; This morning there .were 40 patients at tho institution, and 28 of these were suffering .from influenza. It is estimated) that another 40 patients could bo accommodated should an unusual demand arise—a state of affairs which-is certainly a matter for public satisfaction. As yet> only three members of the nursing staff have become infected with- influenza, and two of them, are already m the convalescent stages.