INFLUENZA IN FRANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20643, 15 February 1929, Page 9

INFLUENZA IN FRANCE

DEATHS INCREASING. MEN TO WEAR MASKS. (United Press Association, j (By Electric Ttelegraph—Copyright.) PARIS, February 13. (Received Feb. 14, at 8 p.m.) The spectacle of Frenchmen going about masked, such as was the case in Sydney in 1919, as a precaution against influenza, is likely to result from a decision of the French Academy of Medicine. Members are alarmed at the growing proportions of the epidemic, the deaths increasing from 720 in December to 1362 in January.

Professor Marchant urged that men should wear a “ species of fine gauze muzzle over the mouth and nose, such as is done successfully in Japan. Women should wear veils,” 1

The Academy officially adopted the suggestion, and ' the authorities are plastering posters all over Paris urging the people “ to protect the nose and the mouth with several thicknesses of gauze.”—Australian Press Association,

THE WAVE BRITAIN.

DISPENSATION FOR CATHOLICS,

LONDON, February 14. {Received Fell. 15,-at 1 a.m.)

Owing to the present influenza epidemic, of which he himself has been a victim, Cardinal Bourne, acting on the advice of medical authorities, has issued a dispensation absolving Roman Catholics in Westminster- diocese from fasting during Lent. The bishops of other dioceses are issuing similar dispensations.—United Service.