VOLUNTEER WORKERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17007, 14 November 1918, Page 4

VOLUNTEER WORKERS.

WELCOME RELIEF RECEIVED.

CORPS STILL TOO SMALL.

For the first time since the epidemic threw ita shadow over Auckland Mise Bagloy, of the Health Department, was able to report yesterday that the demand for volunteer workers had abated a little. That does not mean that there is not plenty of work fcr willing hands, or that more helpers are not required, but merely that the stress under which many heroic women arc breaking down has lessened by the introduction of fresh helpers. About 40 volunteers offored their services yesterday, and the managers of two large business firms have offered to release as many of their staff as Miss Bagley requires. Two more of the district nurses are ill, but have been replaced, and a few more partially trained nurses have been secured. An ex-nurse of St. Helens Hospital has gone to 'he help of that institution. Aid is being sent to suburban depots wherever possible, but each area is asked to provide its own workers, who should report at the local denote, from which they can more rapidly be put in touch with the needs of the district. Speaking on behalf of the Citizens' Committee yesterday, the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. A. J. Entrican, said there was still an urgent need for more domestic help. Many people had offered their services, but objected to going into patients' houses for fear of infection. There wan no lack of helpers for ordinary organisation work, but what the committee required were people will, ing to help in patients' houses, especially male and female nurses for night work. There were approximately 200 applications for assistance yesterday, whicn was about 20 per cent, better than the figures for the previous day. Sanitary inspectors have now been attached to each of the depots and any complaints regarding insanitary conditions should be made to the nearest depot. With a view to preventing the public from being victimised, workers are provided with a badge. Those who have not yet received them can got them from their depot.

Although it is generally held that the epidemic is abating, there has been no abatement of work at the Women's National Reserve depot. Yesterday brought a tremendous rush of work, but this is not considered a bad sign, being rather an indication that the convalescent* are requiring more food. More solid food is now being sent out, although there is still quite a large number of applications on behalf of serious cases. An appeal has been made by the Citizens' Committee for gifts of eggs, poultry, vegetables, lemons, jims, and preserves for the sick. Quantities of beef tea, broth, custards, etc., are being prepared by Mrs. Evans and her assistants at the demonstration ■kitchen in the Auckland Gas Company's office, and these delicacies are being distributed by the Women's National Reserve.