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Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 1884, 16 January 1875, Page 2

"Whin we directed attention yesterday to the danger which threatened this district from a probable visitation of measles, we had no idea that already the disease had developed itself in our midst; but so it would appear. Dr. Payne has reported, a case of measles of a malignant type to the Borough Council, and it has been suggested that the case should be isolated, which would be the best possible thing to do. The measles has not come from the quarter whence it was most feared—the South; but. from Austr lia. But in Victoria, we may state, the disease has been making sad havoc, proving fatal in as large a proportion of cases as it has in Dunedin. Measles of a bad type !is nearly as much to be dreaded as small |iox, and the " first case " ought to be received as a warning to adopt the utmost precaution against its rpreading.

At a meeting of the Local Board of Health held today some additional information was elicited regarding the case of measles existing in our midst. It appears that the case was reported by Dr Payne on the 14th (Thursday), but owins to the

absence of the Chairman of the Board (Mayor Davies) Ihe letter remained unopened until to-day. This circumstance will probably suggest to the chairman that in case of absence in *he future some one should be authorised to open all letters addressed to him in his official capacity. It would appear that the case of measles—which the doctor reports to be infectious—is in the Grahamstown portion of the district — Kirk wood street; and Has been a serious case for some days. The Board of Health have nominated a committee to confer with the medical attendant on the case, with authority to order the removal of the patient if deemed advisable. But it happens that there is no building of any kind to which patients can be taken who may be suffering from infectious disease. During the small-pox scare, some two and a half years ago, a house was obtained from the Government; but some residents in the vicinity objected., and the grant was recalled. What is urgently wanted, and what should be at once provided, is a building to which cases of infection could be carried immediately on their being discovered. The present circumstances may possibly lead to such precautions being Uken as will reassure the public that all ordinary means will be adopted to prevent the spread of infectious disease.

Oub telegrams to-day will be found to be of a most interesting character, embracing features of unusual importance, and referring to subjects on which comment might be offered but for the lateness of the hour at which the messages were received and the demands upon our space. The Wbnga Wonga's arrival has brought additional though not later European items, in which the Tichborne business and the fortunes of those concerned appear in prominent position. Our late visitor from the Laborers' Union — Mr Holloway — has arrived at home, and is said to have reported very favorably of "New. Zealand. Some large failures are reported, and Mr Disraeli appears to have gone out of his way to institute comparisons which have caused a hubbub. Nearer home it will be seen that gold is reported to have been found in payable quantities at Hokianga, but the news wants confirmation. TheKev Charles Ciark, the eminent lecturer and pulpit orator, has arrived by the Wonga Wonga. -