INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17484, 28 November 1918, Page 5

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

MUCH BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

OPTIMISTIC TONE PRE-

VAILS

FEWER NOTIFICATIONS, New cases of sickness are reported in very few instances. A most optimistic tone prevails at the Central Bureau, and the few medical men encountered express the firm opinion that the trouble is abating. The medical man working the Maori Ilill' block states that yesterday was the lightest day ho ( has had so far. 1 am absolutely satisfied that we can now say we have turned the corner, as fax as the epidemic is concerned," was the remark _ made by Dr Bowie (acting medical superintendent at the Dunedin Hospital) to a Daily Times reporter yesterday afternoon. Dr Bowie said he was convinced that the situation was mastered, and that people nad only to exercise paticncc and continue paying due regard to the precautions which the authorities had them to take, and there need be no fear of a recrudescence of the trouble. Energies, however, must not yet be relaxed,' for although the corner has been turned there is still a lot to be done.

ii Gumming (superintendent of tlie Stuart Hall Auxiliary Hospital) was of much tho same opinion as Dr Bowie, and stated emphatically that, although a layman, he could see unmistakable evidence ~a n. abatement of tho malady. His °P A ni,S o 1 was rp fl cc tcd in his co-workers a " , Hall, all of whom were bright cheerful, almost in tho extreme. Dr Faris (District Health Officer) received only 40 notifications yesterday morning an appreciable dron from the number recorded on tile previous day. As pointed out in our issue of yesterday, there are bound .to be fluctuations in these intimai ser * ous influenza cases so long as medical men remain working" at high pressure, as has been the case duringr tho past fortnight or three weeks. It is impossible to compel doctors from all over Otago and Southland to furnish daily reports at the present juncture. The details of yesterday's notifications are as follows—:Waitaki, 6: Otago, 22; Vincent, 4: Southland. 8. r?P a<^ m ' ss^ons to the Dunedin Hospital on luesday were in excess of those of the previous day, but the number admitted on Monday and Tuesday was a good deal less than was the case on Saturday and Sunday, lne fiffures for Monday and Tuesday were 53, and those for Saturday and Sunday 69. p.m. yesterday the number admitted was nine, but the greatest influx usually takes place late in the evening. The following are the official returns for yesterday, as issued to Mr J. Jacobs, secretary of the Hospital Board: —Number of patients in Hospital at 9 a.m., 214. of whom 25 aro on the "Dangerously ill" list, 121 are m various stages, and 68 are convalescent. Stuart Hall Auxiliary Hospital: 55 patients, all convalesccnt; Hanover Street Auxiliary: 12, all convalescent. Total number of patients, 281. CENTRAL BUREAU. a TJ 10 calls at the bureau have fluctuated during the past three days. On Monday they numbered 191, on Tuesday 95, and yesterday 153. Most of the doctors say the private calls are distinctly fewer, and there is a decidedly easier feeling with regard to the epidemic. Calls for nursing are steadily decreasing, although there is still much work to bo done for some time to come. Even when tho sickness is at an end many maternal heads of families will have to_ lie assisted in their domestic duties for a time. It is confidently said that the climax has been passed. The money subscriptions received have now mounted up to £1053 6s 6d. Among fresh contributions are:—Messrs A. and T Burt, £25; Mr and Mrs W. C. Burt, £25 : Messrs J. Wilkic and Co., £10 10s; and Alessrs Sievwright, James, and Nichol, £10 10s. Messrs Fairbaim, Wrigh.t and Co have made a • donation of a case of disinfectants, and the Westport Coal Co has five tons of coal. The Anglo-Swiss Milk Co. has sent in a case condensed milk, and Messrs Murdoch and Co. a number of jelly crystals, which were forwarded to Mornington. Tho donation by Lodge Celtic to the Central Bureau was £25, not £21 as stated m yesterday's issue. It is alleged that someone broke into I tho bureau and stole some of the jellies I from the kitchen.

In connection with the relief of distress Messrs Speight, Hazlett, Rosevear, and Miss Williams will act with the Rev. Mr King as a committee to administer the relief funds.

It is proposed to open almost immediately a store for the reception and distribution of groceries which may be donated for tho relief of those suffering through the epidemic.

The outside bureaus are in full workingorder in their respective localities, and have taken a large number of cases off the hands of thoso at the Central Bureau. Arrangements have now been made to supply a stock of drugs to each of the local district bureaus, but medicine will be dispensed only on a doctor's prescription. The services of a few more motor cars will be gladly accepted, so that those who have. been running continuously since tho outbreak of the epidemic may get some respite.

Kmpty medicine bottles, especially Boz size, will be gratefully received at the dispensing department of the bureau. Circulars have been issued to the V.A.D. endorsed on which is prescribed the 'treatment for influenza and pneumonic patients, 'as follows:—"Keep patient warm between blankets, head and shoulders comfortably raised Give no solid food, but give plenty of water or fruit drinks, or hot weak tea, jellies, or hot liquid food, such as milk and water, milk puddings, custard gruel, soup, etc. The V.A.D. should see that all surroundings of the patients aro made clean.

AUXILIARY HOSPITALS. At the Stuart Hall yesterday a cheery tone prevailed the institution. The admissions during the day amounted to 22, all from the general Hospital, and two patients were discharged. The patients remaining in the institution numbered 72. Mr F. G. Camming reported that everything was going on satisfactorily, and he was pleased to say that a grateful public were still remembering the needs or the institution, and much needed and appreciated gifts were still bomg received.

At the invitation of Mr Cumming, a Daily Times reporter was shown through the institution, which is admirably conducted The patients wore cheerful, ant l niany of them' were engaged in reading. Tho men who are able to be up are provided with a comfortable smoke room. The nursing staff under Sister lyson (acting matron) are rendering excellent service, for which they are cleservinf of special thanks. A section of these workers, who deserve a full share of commendation, however,'are the night staff, who have done excellent service. Among these may bo mentioned Mesdamcs Hopkins, Roche, and Hogg, and Misses Hopkinr>on and Gillies, who have been on duty in tho women's and children's wards. In the men's ward Messrs Scott and Lind are in charge at night. At the Hanover Street Auxiliary Hospital Miss Rita Gillies (a third-year student) charro of the medical arrangements and Mrs R. S. Gray has a general oversight. There aro now 23 patients in this institution, 11 having been admitted ■ from the general Hospital yesterday. Fruit and delicacies and, in fact, any donation of money or kind will be gratefully received by Mrs Gray.

THE FIRE BRIGADE. The condition of Superintendent Napier and Deputy-superintendent Salmon is reported to bo about the same, while other members of the permanent staff, both at South Dunedin and tho Central Station, are stated to be improving. The one fireman at the former station who had not been' affected with the complaint has boon attacked. and was compelled to take to his bed yofrtorday. Tho South Dunedin Station has therefore been closed.

NORTH-EAST VALLEY SUB BUREAU.

, The system of work here follows tho linos adopted by the Central Bureau. Ten new cases were reported yesterday. T] lc ready help and advico of V.A.D. workers served to allay tho fears of many patients. Prompt reports are rendered to the mcdicai aid office in town, and many needless calls for a doctor have been averted. Messrs Swan and Stedman carried workers and nourishment by motor car to the homes of sufferers. The convenor of committee wishes to acknowledge the following cash donations: —Mr James ■ Samson. £10: Mrs B. .Elliott, £1 ; Mr Coomtbes. £1; Mr Sacherley, £1; Mr M'Groeor. £1; smaller soma.

£1 6s. A telephone (No. 495) has been installed in the premises of tho Young' Men's Institute. The uso of motor cars to assist, in the distribution of dainties and for answering urgent calls between 8 ancl 9 a.m., 11.30 and 1.30. and 4.30 to 6 o'clock would bo highly appreciated, and gifts of custards, broths, fresh eggs, etc., will be wclcomc.

ROSLYN BUREAU. A meeting of the executivo of tho Roslyn 1 Bureau was held last night in the Roslyn 1 Church Ilall. Tho lie v. W. Gray Dixon ' presided. Tho reports from tho .visitors in 1 tlie various districts showed that tho area— 1 from Oban street to the Mornington border ■ —for which the bureau is responsible, is ! well patrolled. Some of the districts 'showed complete immunity at present from tho epidemic. Others presented cases which kept thoso in charge of tho bureau fairly busy throughout tho day. There was a considerable need for delicacies, and these were freely supplied. Several ladies undertook to attend upon some of tlie serious cases reported. All V.A.D. workers aro requested to bo in attendance at tho bureau at 11 a.m, to-day. Mr R. T. Stewart was appointed a delegate to attend the meeting at tho Central Bureau to-day. There is a need for two medical aid motor cars to cope with tho work of the bureau. Tho following monetary donations have been received:—.Messrs D. A. Aitken and R. T. Stewart, £5 5s each; A. Browning, £1: "Friend," £1; Mr Hamer, £1; and "Anonymous," 10s. Tho bureau telephone number is 964. MAORI HILL BUREAU. Tho Maori Hill Bureau has proved of considerable benefit to the residents of tlie district. Tho ladies have been active in supplying the wants of invalids and..also in lending help in a number of cases in the homes of sufferers. Supplies of jellies, soups, custards, etc., have been fr ?ly provided, and are much appreciated by those unable to do cooking in their homes. Further supplies of these will be welcome, and the committee will be glad to bo advised of people requiring assistance of any 'description, and also of any house displaying a white flag. Supplies of disinfectant' may bo obtained at tlie bureau at_ cost price. Tho Maori Hill Bureau district includes Wakari, Dunottar, Bishopscourt, and Pacific street, Roslyn. The following donations are gratefully acknowledged:—M. G. N. M'lntosh, £5; Mr W. 11. Haigh, £2; Mr W. C. MacGregor, Mr W. C. Bright, Mr A. G. Butchers, Mr D. Thompson, Mr J. A. Fitzgerald, Mr B. Nees, Mrs Chapman, and Mrs 11.. £1 each: Mr J. D. King and Mr Guy Morris, 10s each; Mr M'Ooll, ss. KAIKORAI BUREAU. Tho Kaikorai Bureau is now fully established, and a telephone (No. 2901) has Wkm installed. A meeting of workers was held yesterday, and arrangements were made to have tho bureau open daily from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. An advertisement appears in this issuo relating to the arrangements made, and Kaikorai residents are urged to note that workers aro urgently needed, and . ere requested to report at the Kaikorai Presbyterian Schoolroom. MORNINGTON BUREAU. Miss Geerin, in chargo of the Morning-', ton Bureau, advises that no more soup is required this week, as 10 gallons aro being supplied from the Central Bureau daily, which is ample for present requirements. SOUTHERN BUREAU. The Southern Bureau was a 'centre of busy life during the whole of yesterday. Unfortunately. the telephone was not in working order until tho afternoon. It was j most gratifying to find with what readiness willing workers have como to light, 'also tho hearty response to requests tor food, j Quito a lot of generous people have seut 1 a splendid variety of foodstuffs, such as eggs, soups and jellies, groceries ,etc., and Mr Moore (coal merchant) sent coal. Quite a number of housewives brought delicacies suitable for sick people, and those in charge of the kitchen went home at night feeling delighted with tlie supplies sent' and tho demands executed. Over 100 cases were dealt with. Judging from tho work executed, it is plain that the suburban bureaus are meeting a local need, and at the same time easing the situation. The execution of work was for a time marred for lack of motor cars. Any who can assist will meet a great need. Yeoman service has been done throughout the district through the superintendency of tho ministers, every house having been visited, and reports of sickness aud need noted, and as far as possible attended to. Kind friends have forwarded sums of money amounting to £10 to aid the cause. A number of butchers have been most considerate, proving their generosity by forwarding bountiful supplies, of meat. The committee will bo delighted to have more V.A.D.'s in future. THE WATERFRONT. No fresh cases have been reported on the shipping at Dunedin for'the past three days, and a decided improvement is noticeable in tho position in regard to the epidemic. It is expected that the waterside workers will resume operations on the waterfront to-day, but the matter will be decided at a meeting of the Waterside Workers' Union this morning. PORT CHALMERS. The epidemic is now regarded as having reached its maximum at Port Chalmers, and a rapid improvement is expected. On Quarantine Island there havo been about 50 cases of influenza, 10 of which have developed into pneumonia. Three of these patients arc medical orderlies. OTHER ITEMS. There is a considerable reduction in the sickness among members of the police force. So far as the city is concerncd there are three constables and one sergeant down with influenza. The assistant matron is also ill, though not seriously. One constable stationed at King street has been taken iil, and two constables in the suburbs havo had_ to relinquish work owing to ill-health. No more cases of sickness have come to tho knowledge of the tramway authorities, so that tho presumption is that there is an improvement in the condition of the ein- ' plojees. lhis morning the tram service will be started as usual, the trams running aocording to timetable up to 7 p.m. Iliis limit will probably be observed until a reasonable number of men have reported lit for duty.

There were no more cases of sickness among the Dunedin railway hands yesterday but s.everal of the existing eases have assumed a serious aspect. No men resumed duty.

Attention has been drawn to the extremely dirty condition of the recess in the old Post Office. Princes street, where tho letter box is situated. The floor certainly bears tho appearance of not having had a broom over it for weeks, and tho accumulation of dirt is plainly visible. In view of the opidemic a suggestion is thrown out that slot telephone boxes with advantage be better ventilated. ° A number of DunedLn merchants havo arranged to close their premises daily at 1 p.m. for the remainder of the week, Saturday excepted, on which day they will be closed all day ' The Dunedin warehouses will close at noon daily for the rest of tho week. It is hoped to resume as usual on Monday. The Benevolent Institution is wonderfully fortunate. Only four or five of tho inmates have had the complaint, and in each case it is of a mild typo. Dr Falconer ia visiting the institution daily.

A resident of Waikouaitj advises that nearly every home in the'' township has been affected by the malady. Only one fatal case has been reported—that of Miss Louisa Hunt.

If there is one section of the community more than another which has had, aud is still having, a strenuous and trying time owing to the epidemic, it is the medical men, and more particularly those who aTO members of the honorary staff of the Dunedin Hospital. At this time of pressure it is not unusual for an honorary physician to spend from seven to cicht hours dailv in the institution, which services are rondered gratuitously. Dunedin is, indeed, fortunate in having such a self-sacrificing body of men during such a crisis.

A precautionary measure that other firms might well copy has been adopted by Messrs Thomson and Co. This is to enclose a picce of cotton wool saturated with formalin in tho envelopes with invoices correspondence, etc. '

We have received £2 from an anonymous subscriber to be handed to the authorities at the Central Inquiry Bureau to help to buy clothes for destitute children.

Since appearing in tho name part of the grand opera " Faust" recently. Mr Er"&o6t Drake, tho Auckland tenor (formerly' of Dunedin), has been suffering from the prevailing epidemic. He is now progressing favourably, and expects to bo about again in a few days. °

Mr Will Appleton, associated in business with Mr Charles Haines, of Wellington, who has been_ dangerously ill with pneumo-nic-influenza. is now on the road to recovery, and should shortly bo about again as usual' Unfortunately, Mr Appleton his had a sad oxporionco in the death of his young wife a much-esteemed lady who had many friends. Mrs Appleton sucoumbed to the same complaint after in illn&sa of about 10 days.