HEATHCOTE NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12483, 23 November 1918, Page 7

HEATHCOTE NOTES.

[From Otjr Correspondent.] THE EPIDEMIC, At the time of writing, the influenza epidemic in the Heatbcote Valley riding may be said to be well in hand. On Monday evening last a public meeting appointed a committee 1q patrol the district, and good work is bourn done. Mr 0. Finvell. chairman of the Heathen to County Council, is chairman, and the following are currying out the duties of patrolling the houses, each having his own section; — Messrs T. A. Gates (secretary). W. Radcliffe, A. Walker, H. Williams, E. Dennis, T. Perkins. Mrs Wedd, TV. Deare, Mrs I’edler, J. Nixon, jun., TV Preece and Wi Coglo. Patrols are frequent, and reports prompt. For a time it was thought advisable to open a soup kitchen, hut it has been found that the homes where invalid foods are required can bo looked after by neighbours. The establishment of tho block system has relieved many of much anxiety, na medical attention is now available every day. There are seven or eight cases that require careful watching, but the majority of the sufferers seem to be getting on fairly well, while many hare baa onlv a mild attack.

The committee lies been greatly heartened by the willing help of Mrs Wedd and Mrs Oetgen, both of whom are spending all their time among the .sick. Several visits from Mr A. Lon shy and Mr Hewlett also have been very much appreciated. This week has been a very sad one indeed, there having been five deaths m far, viz.. Mrs J. Donald, Mrs A. Ret tie, Hector M otherall, Mrs Carroll (nc' Welherall), Mrs 11. Welherall. all vc-v well-known residents. The Wefhevail family has been, through a period that must almost reach the limit of human endurance. During the past eleven months two sons were killed at the front, one lining married. On Tuesday last •'•miner son’ Hector, and a married daughter, Mrs Cartoll. whose husband is in camp, both died, and the following day the mother also succumbed. The very deepest sympnHir of the whole district is extended to the bereaved families. PERSONAL.

(In V ednesday Mrs J. S, Wefr received die disquieting news from the Minister of Defence that her son, Corporal Robert "Weir, was reported missing on October 26. It is sincerely hoped that satisfactory news of him will bo received before long.