THE CITY FIGHTING BRIGADES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 45, 18 November 1918, Page 6

THE CITY FIGHTING BRIGADES

ORGANISATIONS DOING EXCELLENT WORK.

Tho Island Bay and Berhampore official supervisor (Mr. C. C. Odlin) reports on behalf of his committee.. that the necessary organisation for dealing with the epidemic is complete. The need of a proper ambulance van for taking coses to hospital was severely felt two (jays ago, and cases that should have been removed within a few hours were gravely delayed; but this has now been remedied. The committee has provided a volunteer'van which will be always in ( readiness to meet any call. "As far as the districts controlled by the'eommittee are concerned, it would not be too much (Mr. Odlin adds) that citizens have risen to the occasion, both us regards services and gifts of the necessary foodstuffs. .Large quantities of broth, beef-tea, jellies, drinks etc., nre being provided. Oranges and lemons have been .in limited sunply. aiid more of Hiese would be received with thank!:. "The need for volunteer women workers to help in the homes of afflicted persons bv nursing and in other ways is great, and it is hoped that this appeal will not be made in vain. "Both tho Island Bay and Berhnropore Committees wish to express their deepest and heartfelt thanks for the enthusiastic and self-sacrificing work that is being, done by the Sisters of the Home of Compassion. No appeal is made to them in vnin, and by mnking use of motorcars they have been able to render quick and efficient service. Their services have been ungrudgingly given, and too much cannot be made of tlieir labours. "Motor-car owners have rendered valuable services by day and nijrhf. arid fheir hob will be needed o<"nin to-day. § V complete organisation is now in full swing at the Town Hal!, Lower Hutt. to cope with the epidemic. A band of willing workers, controlled by His Worsliin tho Mevor (Mr. E. P. Rishworth) and Mr. H. Baldwin, is distributing suitable diet, medicine, and fruit to those in need of them. Thf district has been thoroughly canvassed, inquiry being made ag to the nunit-cr and condition of those pick, and there is every indication that the epidemic is now under control. There are only a few serious cases. The attacks in the majority of cases are slight. The temporary hospital established in the Lyceum Hall is under the charge of Dr. \Purdy, assisted by Matron Cameron anl volunteer nurses, with male orderlies. So far only a few patients have beon admitted. These have been brought from outlying portions of the , borough, in order that they can be under efficient-medical and nursing care which under the abnormal conditions they otherwise wouid be unable to ee.cure.

The committee at Kelburn reports that conditions are iust about the samethere being, if anything, a slight improvement. There is still a need for women helpers to raeei the unusual demand.

Th? Lyall Bay committee put in ti strenuous week-end, but their work has borne fruit. Although there are a large number of cases in the district they are all more or less of a mild nature. One death, that of a Maori, occurred. The Salvation Army has charge of the Wellington College hospital, which will accommodate ninety patients. Brigadier Hove will have as assistants Lieu-tenant-Colonel Bray and Staff-Captain Elder.

The hospital in Sydney Street has forty-one patients. l'leniy of assistance has been forthcoming during the weekend, but it is expected that many of the week-end helpers will have to return to ttieir occupations to-day. That being so, more helpers wilt be required to-day.

Tho position at Hataitai as reported by Mr. 11. AV. Tolan that a few serious cases are causing anxiety, but otherwise there is an improvement noticeable. The people who are well are offering their services freely. It is suggested that no money should be token at any depot, but that after the epidemic is defeated ii thanksgiving fund should be opened and the offerings devoted to a worthy object. Efforts will be made by tho local committee to collect and burn household refuse if it is not collected by the council's carts to-day. Respirators for nurses are to be supplied, and premises will be sprayed with disinfectants where necessary.

Very complete arrangements have been made at Eastbourne to combat the epidemic. A\ house-to-house canvass lias shown' that although there nro a considerable number of cases they are all being .attended to, and none were reported as being critical. Arrangements have been inndo for supplying disinfectant, food, etc., where needed, also for a Boy Scout service in cases of urgency. Altogether, residents on the eastern side of the harbour consider they biii'Q the position ivell in hand.

Nurses, motor-cars and drivers, scouts, etc., are urgently appealed for by advertisement for- the Wellington North area. People willing to help are advised to aoply at 28 Wellington Terrace or telephone 4613.

An urgent appeal is made bv advertisement for women helpers for the \Vlington College emergency hospital. A similar appeal is made for tho St. John's Schoolroom temporary hospital, Dixon Street. Sickroom dietary will be' given for influenza patients if called for.