INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

Southland Times, Issue 18078, 3 May 1919, Page 5

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

POSITION IN CHRISTCHURCH. RECRUDESCENCE FEARED BEFORE LONG. JUMP IN CASES NOTIFIED. (Per United Press Association.! CHRISTCHURCH, May 2. The authorities think that there is every indication that the near future will see a recrudescence here of the influenza epidemic. During the past two days there have been 23 notifications in the Canterbury and Westland Health District. Of these five are cases of influenzal pneumonia, two of them being severe. In South Canterbury during the same period there were eight notifications, two of which are pneumonia. Dr Fox, the Superintendent of the Christchurch Hospital, stated to-day that there had been of late a number of cases of influenzal pneumonia in Hospital, and one death. He had no doubt whatever that these cases were the same type as those of last November. CASES IN THE DOMINION. CHRISTCHURCH, May 2. The Hon. G. W. Russell stated to-day that the position with regard to the number of cases of influenza in the Dominion was much the same as that reported several days. ago. Asked regarding the precautions in the event of a possible recrudescence of the epidemic the Minister said that the position was being closely watched and all machinery wes ready to be brought into operation should a recrudescence take place. THE NIAGARA. NOW A ‘‘CLEAN SHIP.” CHRISTCHURCH, May 2. There has been some anxiety regarding the Niagara which was reported to have had a fresh outbreak of influenza on board, and Mr George Humphreys, Consul for France, cabled to his daughter who was one of the passengers.This morning Mr Humphreys received the following reply, dated April 30, from Honolulu: “All well clean ship.” STEAMER KAMO QUARANTINED. AIK. 'LAND, May 2. The Union Company's Kamo has arrived at Onehunga from Greymouth with a mild case of influenza, which has been isolated. The steamer has been quarantined. DISEASE IN AUSTRALIA. QUESTION OF COMPENSATION. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.--Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) SYDNEY, May 2. The Government has appointed a committee to investigate and report upon claims for compensation owing to loss of trade following on the influenza restrictions. STRANDED IN SYDNEY. CHARGE OF DISCRIMINATION. (Per United Press Association.) , CHRISTCHURCH, May 2. Referring to the cable from Sydney stating that stranded New Zealanders were dissatisfied at what they claimed to be discrimination in allowing soldiers and munition workers to return to New Zealand while civilians were debarred, the Hon. G. W. Russell said he was surprised at the statement as no Ministerial authority had been given for the relaxation of the embargo. While appreciating the work of soldiers and munition workers he could not differentiate between different classes of the community. If the Health Department had cabled permission it was done on its own responsibility and the matter would be inquired into. He had received information from Wellington that a small body of soldiers was en route to New Zealand but no consent was given to the Defence Department for the transfer of munition workers. Until there were more effective quarantine stations the embargo would be rigidly enforced. With regard to stranded New Zealanders a cable had been forwarded to the Government agent authorising him to make the necessary advances for their maintenance.