THE EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1918, Page 3

THE EPIDEMIC.

MNISIER UF PUBLIC WALTS.

GIVES HIS VIEWS OF TEEi POSITION,

By Telegraph,—Press Association.

Wellington, Nov. 25. I'ne Minister for Public kealth says tliat neither Glmsteluircli nor Dunedin have sufiered so severely as the northern cities. ja Wellington the overcrowding due (o the war was largely responsible for the seriousness of the epidemic. Many young men were taken from overcrowded boarding-houses. Both in Wellington and Auckland conditions were discovered which will demand the attention of Parliament. Tlio position is cfcill acute among the Maoris. The Department's greatest difficulty is the shortage of doctors and trained nurses. Appeals are coming from coun< try districts for assistance which caa not be rendered unless some doctors caa be got back from Auckland. The Minister considers the whole q«es> tion of the medical service and publia health must be re-considered, and he will report to Parliament on the matter He learns that the cases in the camps are now below 100 and the new cases ife practically si a minimum.

IMFRQVEMENT IX DANNEVTRKE.

Dannevirke, Nov. 25.

The influenza epidemic, so far as Dannevirko is concerned, show 3 a decided improvement. Few fresh serious cases are biinjr now reported- Since Saturday six Europeans and two Natives died. One of the Europeans, a man, cut his throat while delirious, and died some hours afterwards.

TEW NEW CASES IN PAHtATUA,

Ps.liiat.ua, Nov. 25.

There have been six deaths since Friday, hut tlia epidemic is now well in hand. Very few cases are coining in, and these are not serious. The relief fund amount? to £IOO. The Post and Telegraph staff kept the telephone open all Sunday, which was a great hoon to sufferers and committee. The town is closed till Tuesday.

UNDER CONTROL IN AUSTRALIA.

Sydney, Nov. E5-

It is officially announced that influenza is eomplotely under control. The relief steamer left for Samoa.—Aus.-'N.Z. Cable Assoc.

POSITION IN SOUTH AFRICA. Received Nov. 25, 15 p.m. Capetown, Nov. 23. R is officially estimated that there have been CO,OOO deaths in South Africa froui influenza.

TPBOVEJIENT IN' AUCKLAND.

Auckland, Nov. 25.

The situation in regard to the epidemic here is so greatly improved that Dr. Frengley this morning authorised hairdressers and tea ?ooma to resume business as usual. Thia was subsequently countermanded by instructions from the Minister for Public Health.

POSITION IN SOUTHLAND.

Dunedla, Nov. 25.

Notifications to-day for Otago and Southland, excluding Wartaki, were 85. The cases in tho Duncdin hospital nuinDer 247. The death-rato io exceptionally low and is not appreciably rising.

SATISFACTORY POSITION.

IN NAPIER.

Napier, Nov. 25.

It Is estimated that there hare been €o deatlu) in cud around Napier due to influc-nzi. oui oi over 1000 cases. The position no(7 is cat'.sfactory, few new cases being reported to-day.

DIMINUTION IN OHRISTCHURCH.

Cliristc'nurch, Nov. 85,

The iatest report from the city and swbrrb.-, record a marked diminution of flesh cases, accompanied by a still more pronounced falling-off in the piaportion of serious with the exception of two districts in North Canterbury, the improvement sec-ma general throughout the province. The axlmission9 to the hospitals on Saturday were 2G, and on Sunday 27 The deaths on the same davs were M and 10 respectively. These figures corroborate the general impression of those engaged in the campaign, thai the creot of the influenza wave was reached last Tuesday, and there has been a steady improvement since.

SHIPPING POSITION AT DUNEDIN.

Dunedin. Nov. 25,

A meeting of the Waterside Workers' Union to-day decided that no work he curried on on the local waterfront till next Monday. It was resolved that permission bo ajven to discharge the balance of fruit from "the steamer Calm, and also general cargo stowed on top. The Te Anau. which r.rrivfcd from Auckland yesterday, brought _ oranges and lerconr.. The watersideva discharge these to-day

SUCCESSFUL MERCURIAL TREATMENT.

r.ccoivsd Nov. 23, 5.5 p.rriAtli§ns, Nov. 2iMercurial treatment has been tried for the influenza with brilliant results.— Times.

AT THE CONVALESCENT HOMES.

There are now fifteen women at the convalescent home which has been established for their accommodation at tilic East End pavilion. All are doing well. At Kawaroa Park ten of the men who wero convalescing were discharged yesterday, and seven were transferred there from the hospital, making a total of 21 remaining in the Kawaroa bungalow. They are all doing well.

AT THE CRECHE. ~

There are still twelve babies in tlie orcclic under the care of Plimket Nurse Williams. It is expected that two or three babies will bo returned to their jnothers to-day, but several others are waiting to get in. Mrs. Miller also has charge of one baby at her residence, Wallace Place. | The committee responsible for the I creche say that too much praise cannot jbe given to Mrs. C. Roebuck for the valuable assistance that she has given, having prepared all the* foo<l and also

f. . EETHAM; ~Jj|

j " ETtham,..N<sr;;l23. ; ' s {he epidemic- ibero are coKrinced that, although, there are many; in a very serious condition, those coming in for treatment now are ■not such bad cases as during last week.

So far there have been seven deaths "■here. Last night a returned soldier Hopson died. Ho had not been in Elfcham. any length of time. General regret will bo felt at the fdeath of Mr, J. Wheeler. Deceased had been a resident of iiltham for several 'years, and few imagined tiiiat lie would -.uccumb. However, he had not been well for the last few days, and on Sunday was removed to the town hall rooms, where he died at 10.30 this morning. Deceased was a prominent member of the Stratford Gun Club and annexed many trophies on the local grounds, whilst he. shot with success at Auckland and Canterbury.

The condition of Mrs. Wheeler is also far from satisfactory. A family of two, with the mother, are left to mourn their loss.

Excellent provision has been made to attend to tine sick. Besides Dr. Cooper's private hospital, the town hall has been fitted up to accommodate several beds, whilst a boarding-house in Bridge Street has also been taken over by the Health Committee and is now taxed to the ut,mostVith patients.

Bhe Boy Scouts here are doing excellent work. They are to be seen at all •hours of the day carrying food, running messages, etc., and generally making themselves useful. At the town hall I noticed Tom Stanners, Harry Nuttall, and T. Norris mapping out the evening's work, whilst at ■ the information bureau Mr. 1. B. Grimstone appeared to be very busy. Mr. J. L. Campbell, of Bawbitiroa, was also seeing what fce could do. The Mayor (Mr. T. B. Crump) was unobtainable, but this is not surprising, as he is one of the most energetic of our citizens engaged in fighting the epidemic. At a distance one could seo Mr. G. W. Tayler, chairman of the Hawera, Hospital Board, but he was also busy.

HAWERA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

A representative of the Daily News was in Hawera on Monday, and from what Ihe could gather the town and district h&vo suffered as badly as other portions of the province. The Mayor (Mr. E. Dixon) was very ■hopeful that the worst had been experienced there, and stated that to-day tihey •had spare beds available, which was an ■indication that cases were not becoming! more numerous. Tha town had been well mapped out, and everyone able to assist had stepped into the breach and vras nobly doing his or her work. The Mayor said this was made possible by employers and employees accounting for all residents, and those who were not down, but were able to assist, were enrolled. The veteran journalist, Mr W. A. Parkinson, Wa3 found looking bright and smiling. His staff had severely felt the ravages, being reduced to two linotype operators, two printers, and two literary men. They had now turned the corner, but, like other businesses, the production of the Star had been a strenuous matter for the few able to keep on their feet. In the district thu position was far from satisfactory. One prominent dairy official was not sure whether some of the factories would not yet have to close down. All tihei staffs had been depleted through the epidemic, and had to rely largely on tho farmers' assistance to carry on. Near the council chambers is the inhalation chamber, and the methods adopted here appear to l>s of the best, as far as my experience goes. There are six sprays working' by machinery, each spray being operated independently. Residents and others pass into the room, lean over a galvanised collar that prevents wetting or soiling tihe clothes, and are then told to close their eyes. The 9pray is turned on for about 10 seconds, and then the visitor passes through another door into tho street. Tho inhalation chamber appeared to bs well patronised by Europeans, but there were several Natives in town who seemed to be keeping well clear of it. Naturally, business is at a standstill, and, Mr. Dixon states, will probably continue so until Thursday. Recognising that smoking i 3 a good disinfectant, the tobacconists are keeping a man on the premises for a few days. "Thia shop will be shut for. a few days longer owing to sickness," is the notice pasted on the window of a Ash and chip shop. Probably tho publid will appreciate the honesty of the proprietor. The condition of Mr. Welsh, solicitor, ■has not been satisfactory, and there were many anxious inquiries tihis morning.

AT WAITAEA,

The temporary hospital which has been opened for Maoris in St. John's Hall, Waitara, is filling a useful purpose. Indeed, so strong a hold has the. epidemic among the natives in that district that the accommodation is more than taxed. A number of additional patients were admitted yesterday, making the total now 27. Two serious cases were removed by the ambulance to tfhe temporary hospital at the Native Hostelry. ,An endeavor is to be made to open a temporary hospital at the Foresters' Hall. This can be used as an auxiliary or a convalescent 'home. Mr. Were, who has charge of the hospital, was in New Plymouth with one of his assistants, Mr. Kine, making arrangements. He says they are badly in need of assistance. Dr. Campbell is now laid up, and the need for a skilled nurse is very much felt. A New Plymouth doctor and a medical assistant went out from New Plymouth last nigflit.

ALONG THE COAST.

I At Warea all preparations have been I nmde for converting the hall into a hospital, and' a small cottage alongside is to be used as nurses' quarters. Mr. H. X. Chapman, who is doing most of the organising in this district, was in New Plymouth yesterday. Three ladie9 Ihnve volunteered to assist with the nursing. Mrs. W. Binnie, who has had nursing experience at both New Plymouth and Hawera hospitals, will have, charge of the hospital, ajid will bo by Mesdames Knight and Wills, each of whom came iuto the New Plymouth hospital yesterday, and will spend two or three days in that institution to gain experience. At Oataiia Uhe hall las been prepared, and, if necessary, bed can 'be placed for it for use as a hospital. Xta provmuty to New Plymouth, however, may. render this unnecessary. Mr. Bell was in Plymouth yesterday, and will aot -aß< medical assistant in the district.

STRATFORD.'i $

: (From- Our Own Correspondent:)? £ ; Stratford, Nov. 25. * Since my' lant'report four deaths 'have' occurred. Mr. and Mrs. D. McWhirfcer had the misfortune to lose their two sons —Arthur (19) and Ernest (16) —within six hours on Sunday. These two boys comprised the family, and the sympathy of all Stratford goes out to the afflicted parents in their great sorrow.. E. J. Rowel), the third victim, was a married man who has been employed during the pas:t twelve months on the Borough Council stall. A conscientious worker, the municipal authorities have lost a faithful He leaves a widow and a young family, the youngest fehild being a few months old. The fourth death wa3 that of Mrs. M. A. Plew, a married woman, residing at Midhirst, 26 years of age. It is underI stood that she leaves a husband (flow in camp) and one young child.

The mortal remains of the late Miss Hopkins were followed to the cemetery by a large number of friends. The burial sen-ice was conducted by the Rev. R. B. Tinsley, who was deeply affected by the los 3 of such a faithful church worker, a sorrow shared by all who were acquainted with the deceased.

Messra. P. Skoglund and J. S. Lyons have been battling hard to keep up system and method in dealing with the epi-

demic. The Hospital Board members had been quietly organising before the public were aware of it, but after the peace celebrations the influenza here' became voiy virulent, and the gentlemen named g/)t into harness, and have been go'ng eyes out. Matters ate going along very v/.-11. Mr. Lyon3 has control of the motor cars and cyclists, keeps a record cf every movement, and can lay his hands on, or know the whereabouts of, the. 30 cava and '£ cyclists at ta. i disposal of the Health Committee. These are needed, as Mr. Lyons considers he had an average of 300 messages each day until yesterday, which was comparatively quiet, when the callß totalled 75. The distances covered amount to a considerable mileage, and there is no considering the speed limit in getting out to the patients, and attending to urgent cases. A remark that Mr. Lyons was looking tired elicited

the information that his and Mr. Skoglund's hours were from eight in the morning until midnight, but this was not taken into consideration when it was a matter of helping some poor sufferer to a haven of rest, if not safety. It was good to notice how complete the control of the cars wa3. At 5.15 he could tell where they were—some at Ngae're, carrying milkers; others bringing in patients or carrying out food, medicine, etc.

The telephone is going continuously, and one learns, without any trust, that Dr. Paget ia getting well out and finding e,a he proceeds further inland that ths cases are becoming serious. Tho doctor "lets up" on the phone for a moment, and immediately comes a request for an ambulance to go to Midhirst for a girl and child. Then a call comea for Dr. Paget to go down a certain road And attend to a delirious patient. Tho doctor has passed that town, but the progress of the doctor is being worked like a clock, and lie is intercepted, and the requirements made known to him. Tho wants of the Midhirst patients are communicated to the hospital matron, who makes up her mind in a moment whether it is a case for hospital, Technical School or Melrose Houce.

Meanwhile the office is besieged ,/ith pale and anxious parents, who are endeavoring to catch the eye and ear of these gentlemen. Sometimes they catch both, but other duties claim their attention, ?.nd the father or mother possess themselves in patience and wait- They biarl a long explanation, and the telephone rings and a pathetic call comes for a vi3it out somewhere. Conversation is thus a bit 'disappointing, and so the thing' goes on throughout the day and night. There are brief respites, but these are scarcely noticeable, being so small. On top of this is the continuous stream of officials coming and going, all bent on doing what they can in any direction given. The town, as previously mentioned, has been mapped out, and the special visitors report as they deem advisable,

A food department has been set up, and the members (ladies) are notified of what is required, and in a few minutes the food and other nourishment are to hand and a car. speeding away. Here the benefit of organisation becomes apparent I Stratford has no ambulance, but a •fine 7-seater Hudson eminently suits the purpose, and is used solely for this, and, unfortunately, it is used too rrequentiy. T?or small parcels and rapid, despatch the motor cyclists are used, and the Ford is used to convey nurses and other workers to various localities.

With the milkers the size of the party guides Mr. Lyons in his choice of cars, and he ticks off each car and the journey, so he probably knows more of the Mileage covered by each car during the past eleven days than the owners or the

drivers. And what about the town? These gentlemen say they cannot call Stratford a "clean town" yet, but, sizing up the requests for ambulance and other calls, they should say there must be a big improvement in the town. The ambulance car made seven trips to-day, but they are hope iiul there will be less calls to-morrow.

The lady medico, Dr. Gordon, then trips in. She looks after the borough, and seems to find only c few minutes available for a multitude of requests. Kept going, aye, from, daylight to dark, but the little lady radiates sunshine and smile 3 wherevej sUa moves. '"Your own" leaves the room conscious that this is a hive of industry, and the stakes large—the stamping out of a disease that has carried off the greatest number of people in the shortest time of any visitation that ever inflicted its unwelcome presence on this fair land.