INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16301, 29 November 1918, Page 7

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

GENERAL. There were seven cases admitted to the Maori hostel to-day (Friday) and two more were expected to enter this evening. Three cases are reported as serious. The caretaker of the hostel, Mr. Brooks, has contracted the trouble, likewise Mr. Jackson (Native interpreter), who is in charge of the place by appointment of the Health Committee. No deaths occurred to-day. At Oakura there are five houses where the occupants are suffering from influenza, and the reports to-day state that all are progressing satisfactorily. On Thursday the Health Committee sent two bakers to Okato and their services were most timely and deeply appreciated.

REPORT EROM WAIEOA. Per Press Association. WAIROA, Nov. 29. It is doubtful if the epidemic has yet reached its climax. In all there have been about 30 deaths, mainly of Natives, who are being heavily hit. There have been few deaths among Europeans and those mostly of people who avoided the hospital. There are emergency hospitals in the district schools and on the racecourse. The Europeans are doing good work though they are understaffed. An excellent system of distribution of food has been organised. The Natives are the greatest trouble owing to tohungaism. One European and one half-caste died yesterday The new cases are mostly coming from the country. ILLNESS IN THE CAMPS. WELLINGTON, Nov. 29. A steady diminution in the number of sick in camps continues and there has been no increase in the number of serious cases reported. At Trentham there are 13 serious cases, 11 being pneumonia- and two cerebo-spinal. At Feathers ton there are 20 serious cases; Awapuni reports 16. none- serious. One death occurred' at Featherston and one at Trentham. MAYOR OF AUCKLAND. SHOWS SIGNS OF PANIC. AUCKLAND, Nov. 29. The Mayor (Mr. Gunson) states: “As regards the unsatisfactory reply by the Hon. G. W. Russell in reference to the precautions against the introduction of disease from oversea vessels, after conferring with the chairman of the Hospital Board, if the Minister of Public Health will not protect this community it will become my duty as Mayor to take adequate Steps to afford protection. That is our due, and I shall not hesitate to take any steps that circumstances demand. I look for support from all sections of the community to prevent a repetition of the disastrous epidemic or any kind of sickness.