BUDGET AND THE “FLU”

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10137, 27 November 1918, Page 4

BUDGET AND THE “FLU”

TRIBUTE TO VOLUNTARY WORKERS. In the course„of..bis Financial Statement, brought down yesterday, Sir Joseph Ward made the following reference to the epidemic now prevalent throughout the Dominion This country, in common with other parts of the world, has recently been visited with an influenza epidemic of unusual virulence, which I regret to say has, caused ruanv deaths amongst our population. Heartfelt sympathy, I am sure, will be expressed by the members of this House as well as hv the general public of New Zealand with those who have suffered, and witli the relatives of those who have unfortunately passed away from sickness due to this cause. The efforts of the Government to arrest the spread of the disease have been ably seconded by Hospital Boards, local authorities, and private individuals, a great many, of, whom, at personal risk and at great inconvenience to themselves, have given their services voluntarily for the purpose of succouring and nursing the sick, and I desire to express the country’s thanks and gratitude.to all.those who have assisted in this manner.

The Public Health . Department-has been put to a considerable amount of expense in endeavouring to arrest the spread of the disease, and I propose to ask the House to make suitable provision for this expenditure.