MINISTER HOPEFUL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1628, 3 May 1919, Page 11 (Supplement)

MINISTER HOPEFUL.

"NO IMMEDIATE DANGER."

When approached this morning by a Stjn representative with regard to the general influenza position, the Minister of Public Health (Hon. G. "W. Rus,Bell) was' not inclined to take a pessiimistio view.

"There is nothing to justify any alarm," said Mr Russell, "and I don't in the slightest degree think that the notification figures that are being received indicate any immediate danger of recrudescence." The Minister consulted his files to ascertain the number of cases notified during the three days ended at noon on Thursday. They were:—

Auckland Health District .. ..20 Wellington Health District .. 10 - Canterbury Health District .. 23 53 Of these, eight were pneumonic and six others classed as severe. The Canterbury cases were those detailed in The Sun yesterday. Those figures showed, commented Mr Russell, that there was a certain amount of influenza throughout the Dominion, but that was to be expected. Until the November-December epidemic, influenza had not been a notifiable disease, so that there were no statistics available for comparison, so that the position could be accurately diagnosed. But he did not think that the fignres indicated an immediate danger of recrudescence, although sporadic' cases were practically certain to manifest themselves from time to time in various parts of the Dominion, nowever, the organisation was now, he thought, in a sufficient condition to enable the Dominion, should there be anything approaching a recrudescence, ta> meet it in every way upon better lines than was the case last year, when the trouble came so swiftly. Questioned as to whether it was likely that inhalation chambers would be reopened, the Minister shook his head vigorously. "Oh, nol" he said. ' ' Nothing like that yet.'' CENSUS OF DRUGS. A PRECAUTIONARY STEP. Under instructions from the Minister of Public Health (Hon. G. W. Bussell), the Government Statistician is to take a Dominion census of dmjrs and medical requisites that would be necessary for epidemic purposes. Mr' Russell informed a Sun representative to-day that information would be obtained from both retail and wholesale dealers, and that it would cover, besides stores held in stock, all on order from abroad, "but due to arrive in New Zealand before duly 31, 1919. The usual annual requirements will also be ascertained.

AN INTERESTING EXPERIMENT. GERMS NOT PBTMARY CAUSE.

Dr. Thackcr informed a Scs rep»csentativo that he had reeeivod the following report from a medical man in Edinburgh:—• "Robert H. Veitch, M.8., writes:— Some two months ago Dr. Rosenau, of Harvard University, was commissioned by the American Government to make experiments upon liviair subjects, in order io ascertain more concise know-

ledge as regards the etiological factorf ' associated with this disease Thick L*i, already caused such an enarme'oi mm t&lity throughout the civilised world. Dr. Bosenau called far volunteers froni the United States Nary, a manbet offered themselves for experimentatioitj Abcrat six healthy sailors were chosen* and confined within a certain r&dins, nnder the supervision and watchful eyes of the doctor and his associates. V The subjects were made to imbibe potent influenza germ 3 in an appropriate media with their food, and through their nostrils, while in two eases 3e bacilli were injected into the tisuaes of the body. This was continued from : day to day for several weeks. At tie j conclusion of the experiment all the J sailors had gained in weight, su<] vers I in better health than at the commence- j ment of the ordeal Dr. Boseaan after- • wards remarked that 'the medical pro* ]' fession know nothing sbout the etiology ' of the disease.' "What does the foregoing teach n»f j' It suggests that, germs are not fli* j*i primary cause of influenza, but rather , act only as an exciting cause. The real I cause is enervation—lowered vitality ef the individual. Medical leaders of the nation must get busy and remove those conditions which tend to a lessening of the virility of the people. Palliatives achieve nothing. Ilouring conditions must bo revolutionised with due s*. 1 proper regard for sane ventilation. Environmental predispositions must be recognised as being a big factor in the" matter. A proper understanding of diet, personal and municipal hygiene is essential if the Increasing prevalence of the disease is to be offset. When the people learn and know how to take pro-' per care of their bodies they will then know how to avoid and retard those diseases which beset there But the* ' medical practitioner mct-i do his part —he must educate his patient better than he has done in the past Dr." Addison and the proposed Ministry-of , Health can accomplish wonders in'this respect if proper regard is given to the I immutable laws of Nature, which govern the health and life of the individual and the community." CASES AT BLACKBALL Frrtt AttteUUem. GREYMOUTH, Hay X There are many eases of diphtheria, scarlet fever, and influenza at Black-' THE MANUKA'S CREW. rXJTHEB CASES DEVELOP. 1 Prttß Ajuoetttum. WELLINGTON, May 1 Ten more eases of influenza have " developed amongst the crew of the Manuka on Somes Island. There are australianTrecautio«s> ' By CM* —Prut Attvciation —OfyripU. <Ree. May. 3, 11JSS) BRISBANE, May X.. The Government has announced that as" the State is infected with influent*" - all theatres'and picture shown wiHj#£: closed frbnTto-day.