THE INNOCENT KISS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1387, 20 November 1918, Page 5

THE INNOCENT KISS.

It is claimed that since consumption and throat troubles havo been on tho incrcaso in recent years, and are now reinforced by influenza, our duty is to ascertain what law of nature is being violated and is creating this spread of disease. Another man brings up the time-honoured "habit" that is regarded as tho natural and typical sign of affection— kissing. People havo been making big sacrifices, and tho question is whether such a revolution—which aro so popular these days—can be effected as to dispense with kissing in order to help in the suppression of disease and epidemics. Of course, it would bo asking a great deal of people generally and personally, but how about a temporary abolition in any case as a trial, if only to assist in tho abatement of tho present scourge. Some people may be inclined to scoff and laugh at the suggestion, but it might be put forward very seriously, especially now. Tho experiment might load to tho solving of disease problems, and may help this and other countries to become healthier and happier. The matter of a feasible substitute, however, i s not' so easily sottled, but, perhaps, tho best that could be suggested is the hand-shake. Tho favour! :o form of greeting, osculation, could wisely give way to tho custom which was all the vogue in Scotland in days of long ago.— Auckland Star.

QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT,

(BPBOUL TO "StANDARD."! WELLINGTON, Nov. 19. Speaking in the House this afternoon, in auswer to questions, the Minister for Defence said that the Defence Department had done a great deal to assist the civilian authorities in dealing with the epidemic. Doctors and trained personnel had been spared as much as possible in order that the civilian staffs in tho various districts might be reinforced. Some members of the House, continued the Minister, had been urging that the 12,000 men now in the military camps ought to be demobilised with greater speed. The Defence Department, as a matter of fact, had been proceeding with the domobilisation, quietly and without advertisement. Tho camps had been divided into sections, in order that the men might bo classed medically. The men who had not suffered from tho disease, and who were clear of contact with it wero being got away as fast as was wise. The convalescent men were kept apart, and they were allowed to leave after they worn pronounced by the medical officers to be clear. He hoped to get a large body of the convalescent men out of tho camps during tho present week. The Defence authorities realised that where men were gathered together in large numbers there was increased danger of infection. For that reason, every ixissible step had been taken to scatter the soldiers. It had not been advisable to discharge them from the camps, since they then would have carried infection all over New Zealand. But all tho available buildings had been used in order to distribute the men

more widely than would be the caso under ordinary circumstances. It was an unfortunate thing that most of the tents at Featherston had hern distroyed by.a hurricane right, at the beginning of the epidemic, but the Department had .secured other tents from all parts of New Zealand. The Minister said ho wished it. to be understood clearly that men who had left tho camps on sine die leave were not expected to come back. They would be disobeying- orders if they did come back. They were regarded for all practical purposes us being discharged, and they would not be admitted to the camps if they did return. Tho discharges that were taking place day by day were leaving" more space for the other men, and so helping the medical officers to tight the epidemic. Mr Anstoy (Wnitaki) suggested that the Defence Department should make special arrangements for the men to get to thoir homes where necessary. [Io mentioned that tho men for the south had been kept waiting about Wellington for three days because there was no steamer available.

Sir James Allen said the Department was trying to arrange with the Union Company for special steamers for tho use of tho soldiers. The difficulty in tho way was the influenza epidemic. The company could not get crews for the ships that were available. Tho Government steamers Hinemoa and Tutanekai could bo used to convoy soldiers if crews were obtained. But ho was informed that tho Marine Department had been unable to keep these steamers manned. The influenza- seized the men more quickly than they coidd be taken on. Tho matter would continue to receive close attention, and ho hoped to be ablo to make arrangements that would prevent any trouble, arising- in connection with tho domobilisation. IX OTHER CENTRES. (Per Press Association.) INVEROARGILL, Nov. 20. The epidemio is still spreading in the town and district. Tho tram and train services have been curtailed, and business is disorganised. Among tho deaths that have occurred is that of Senior Sergeant Burrows, who joined the polico in 1881. DUNEDIN, Nov. 19. Tho number of influenza cases in Otago and Southland notified to-day was 34, showing a drop of thirteen, as compared with yesterday. There aro 204 cases in tho Dunedin Hospital. AUCKLAND, Nov. 20. Very few now cases of influenza have been reported since Sunday, and reassuring report; are being received from tho various hospitals. During the 24 hours up to midnight there were twelve deaths in the hospitals, against twenty in the preceding 24 hours. There are fewer calls for nurses, and somo have been released to meet calls from tho country districts. Tho block committees report the position is now well in hand in tho city and suburbs. TJMARU, Nov. 20. Thnaru, appears to havo erected its defences against the epidemio in good time. Both official and voluntary workers are now expressing opinions that tfio disease is well in hand. The hospital veports ono death during the past twenty-four hours. At present there are 40 cases in the institution, three whereof are described as severe. GORE, Nov. 20. Tho influenza prevalent during the month lias been much accentuated during the past week. A temporary hospital has been established on the Gore racecourse and the authorities and vigilance committee are taking all possible steps to combat tho epidemic. Business is practically at a standstill and tho shops close at 4 p.m. daily. Dr Matthews was among tho victims last night. The total the district attributable to the complaint so far are about, a dozen.