INFANTILE PARALYSIS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 18, 19 December 1936, Page 13

INFANTILE PARALYSIS

FRESH ADMISSIONS. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN. Dec. 18. Four more children have been admitted to the Dunedin Hospital during the 24 hours ending 9 a.m. to-day, two being lightly paralysed and two disclosing symptoms requiring observation. It is regarded as a favourable circumstance that the number of admissions is fewer than for several days. Now over forty children are in hospital ; the disease is still confined to the city and suburbs.

SUSPECT AT CHRISTCHURCH.

PRECAUTIONS EXERCISED,

Per Press Association

CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 18

Although there has been no definite diagnosis of infantile paralysis, a girl aged eight was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital to-day as a suspected case of the disease to he kept under observation. This was the only notification to-day in the Canterbury and AVestland districts. Dr. Telford (medical officer of health) emphasised the need for continued precautionary measures. He urged that businesses should do all possible to avoid assemblies of children. He has advised the abandonment of the beach gala at New Brighton and the gatherings of children proposed by certain school committees has been prohibited. ' A children’s excursion to the AVest Coast has been cancelled.

CONCERN AT AIETHVEN.

LARGE CAAIP ASSEAIBLES,

Per Press Association

ASHBURTON

Dee. 18

Methven residents are alarmed, in view of the infantile paralysis menace, at the holding of a camp in the vicinity by members of the Coneyite religious sect from all parts of the Dominion. People already assembled total 260 and the numbers are increasing daily. Tlie county inspector found 50 to 60 under 21 years of age, there being many children in arms. It is proposed that the camp should continue for some time. The inspector has communieted with the health officer, who will place the matter before the Minister.

THEATRE ATTENDANCES,

EXHIBITORS’ RECOMAIEN DATION.

Per Press Associatios. AVELLINGTON, Dec. 18

As a preventive measure against the spread of infantile paralysis, the Alotion Pictures Exhibitors’ Association (N.Z.), representing 90 per cent, of exhibitors in the Dominion, following a conference at AVellington today with the Director-General of Health (Dr Al. H. AVatt) decided to recommend to members that all children under the age of 12 years be prohibited from attendance at picture theatres. The secretary of the association, Air J. Roberston, ALP., said to-day that the prohibition was voluntary, but he had no doubt that all exhibitors would fall into line without delay. SOUTHLAND CRITICISAI. ATTENDANCES AT THEATRES. Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Dec. 18. The steps taken to prevent an outbreak of infantile paralysis in Invercargill were strongly criticised at the monthly meeting of tho Southland Education Board to-day. “The schools are always a target,” said Air F. G. Stevenson. “AVhy were the schools closed and the children left free to attend picture theatres?” It was finally decided that it be a recommendation to the Health Department that steps to taken to prevent children under 15 years of age attending indoor amusements.

Discussion arose when the early closing of the schools was brought before the board. Mr Stevenson said that a telegram received from the Education Department last Mondayhad mentioned the desirability of impressing upon parents the necessity of keeping their children as much in the open ail as possible “Parents should be more than impressed with that need,” he said. “They should be forced to recognise it. AVhat is the use of closing schools if the picture shows are to be left open to the children?” Air AV. Bell: There is far more danger now for children than when the schools were open.