A DISTINCT IMPROVEMENT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 46, 19 November 1918, Page 6

A DISTINCT IMPROVEMENT

MAYORAL STATEMENT

BRIGHTER TONE ON ALL SIDE^

Speaking to a Dominion reporter last evening, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) i said that there was unquestionably an

, improvement registered during the day. ! He had during the afternoon been able to snatch a few minutes off from his duties ! ' at the Town Hal! to visit three or four ■' of the 'hospitals, and he was at once 1 ■■ struck with the cheerier tone both of the 'patients and the staffs (who felt that .they were fighting a winning fight). Many of : the patients were able to raise a smile : and a cheery word. On the other hand '.. there were still some in a pretty bad

way. He baaed his opinion on the j general improvement that, although many I, 'eorions cases were still being reported yes- '■'/-'■ terday, the number in the aggregate was, ! lees than on Saturday and Sunday, and

the urgent call for doctors was -less insistent yesterday than for the previous day or so. In some cases thero were small children patients whom, ho was glad to say, were all doing well. Tho children were coming well out of it a|l round. Ho was greatly struck by the evidences of splendid organisation shown at the hospitals he had visited. _ The matrons and staffs (including tho listers of Compassion at St. Patrick's College) were doing grand work that was already telling in the improved outlook. They could not, unfortunately, provide against further deaths, for- in many cases the patients arrived at the hospitals in an advanced state, which put them., almost beyond human aid. That state of things was being overcome .with organisation, and it was hoped that such cases would become fewer as the district organisations became perfected.

Amongst those who deserved to be singled out for 'initiativo and prompt work- was Major At'Cristoll, of the fenco Stores Department, who had worked with fine energy and resource in fitting up the various temporary hospitals, where fitting was needed. ■, . , The ambulance shortage had now been practicallv overcome by the. taking over jrf a number of trade motor vehicles and fitting them out as ambulances; Pretty well all waiting for sucli conveniences was. now at an end, and any urgent cases or those developing serious!}' were | being promptly attended to. One difficulty had been to cope with the convalescents—people on tha mend, yet in a condition liable to relapse. To get over that difficulty St. Thomas's Hall at Newtown had been secured, and was made ready ns a convalescent hospital yesterday. It will be made available to-day for patients as they are evaennted from the other hospitals, so that room will be created for others eomjng in. If necessary, other places .will" he taken over for a like purpose'. The women convalescents are 'to be accommodated at the Levin Convalescent Home on the hill ■ov'lookii'p- Oriental Bay.

• The children have not been forgotten. Distressing cases hn'v'e'been found where families of three and four children have heen left'to fend for themselves where the parents liave been taken away to hospitals, and, in a few cases, have died there. Last evening the Mayor and his committee decided to approach Mr. H. Baldwin (chairman of, the . AVetliu<:ton Hosnital and Charitable Aid Board) to see if the Macarthy Home for Convalesc»vt flhildren could pot be m ade available for such a purpose. The request is heing considered by Mr. Baldwin, in consultation with Dr. Barclay (superintendent of the Hospital). . If the limno ; cannot he obtained (it was mooted that convalescent nurses from the 'Hospital were to be sent tn Belmont) some other, suitable place will at once bo provided for the proper cW and sustenance of such children. That the need for such a place certainly existed the district workers 'had ascertained.. and that need must and would be met promptly. Still Improving at the Camps. The Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) stated last night that the reports from the tamps and military hospitals were reassuring. Feathtiston had been cut off temporarily by a telegraph breakdown. At Trentham oniy four fresh influenza coses had 'been admitted. There were still some serious cases in the cam}, hospitals, but the great majority of the 1564 men still on the Trentham hospital list could be described as convalescents. There had been no fresh' admissions at Hanmer, and the epidemic yas in hand at Rotorna. Two serions cases, one a nurse, were reported at Narrow' Neck \Camp.

CONDITIONS. ON THE S'ATERFRONT

SHIPS BEING -FUMIGATED.

"Everything is going well, and the Health Committee* have the situation well in hand," stated a -prominent wharf official to a Dominion reporter last night' in discussing the situation on the waterfront. '

An overseas vessel which arrived, in port yesterday from Gisbonie had a total of seventeen cases on board, and all the sufferers were removed to hospitals. Apart from the sickness on. this ship the general position amongst the shipping was decidedly better, only about half ta dozen new cases being reported during the day. A clearing station ha 6 been established in X Store, near the Customhouse, and before being transferred to a hospital each patient has to be tslren there for examination-.

The "Waterside Health Conn-nttse, cqm. prising Captains A. V. Halo Monro (chairman), R. S. Walton (secretary), Hugh Williams, and G. T. Hull, and two representatives from the Waterside Workers' Union, Messrs. Jl'Kay \and Frew, have arrangements -well in hand in connection with the fumigation of ships. The work was continued yesterday', the waterside workers actively and loyally co-operating, and a number of vessels were thoroughly : disinfected. Three gangs of iive men each are engaged on the task, which is progressing very satisfactorily. One of the Harbour Board's water-carts has been kept at work sprinkling a disinfectant solution over the whole water'frontage. Until the work of fumigation is completed it is desired that the public should keep cloar of the wharves unless they have urgent business to attend to. Even then they should take the precaution of passing through the inhalation chamber. The gates of the wharves were closed yesterday. Coal was discharged from the colliers Kanna and Ka.mo at the Railway Wharf yesterday, and fruit-was unloaded from the Jloana at Taranaki Street. A start was made in the afternoon to unload potatoes from the Kaiapoi at No. 1, King's Wharf. ...It is anticipated that within a day or two conditions will be such as to permit of a general resumption of work on the waterfront. ' , ' , THE IRIS. The crew of the Pacific Cable Co.'s steamer Iris has sufficiently recovered for the vessel to proceed to sea. The steamer was at Port Underwood on Sunday, awaiting a favourable, opportunity to repair the two broken' Cook Strait cables. TAKAPUNA EVACUATED SEAMEN'S MISSION COMMAN- -' DEERED. In connection with the epidemic on tho waterfronli great changes were docided upon yesterday. For the past week cases from the ships in port havo been sent to tho steamer Takapuna, which was hastily converted into a hospital ship. AVithoub going into unnecessary details the Port Public Health Officer (Captain A. Hale Monro) and 'the committee associated with him (Captains Walton, Hull, and Eatney) deemed it advisable to make a change in ordor "to lower the death-rate." Premises were inspected, and it was ultimately decided to take over the Sailors' Friend Society building opposite the Supreme Court, as a hospital for penmen, a suggestion which at once met with the enthusiastic support- of Mr. James Moore. So tho big downstairs hall wns cleared out yesterday afternoon and ovening, gas stoves and a eas boiler wore erected, 36 beds were sent from the Defence Stores,, and bv noon to-dav another hospital will have been established, and another blow struck at the epidemic. Captain Monro and his committee donot intend that the' cases from the waterfront shall, on discovery, be taken direct to the newest hospital. They have set 11 n an observation room (of twelvo bunks) in the ladies' waitingroom on the wharf, near the foot of theFnrrv Wharf and right.opposite (he entrance to the. Shipping Office. When visited last evening by a ;Domtnton' reporter this large, airy concrete-floored room had been cleaned out and disinfected. Twelvo bunks had been erected, and three wero already occupiod by pationts, and a gread pot of vegetable soup was bubbling on the gas sfove in tho kitchen. Tho observation chamber or clearing-house has been placed in charge of Mr. Edwards (late of Canada), who has been through a medical' course. Mr. Edwards is well able to take temperatures and--pulees, and was 'gratified at being able to report) that all threo cases then under observation wero showing a distinct tondoncy towards 1 normal. That being tho case they will be kopt thero as long as they continue to improve- Only cases lvhiah show rising temperatures,'with the possibility of

serious (lovelaj)iiionts, will lie sont on to llio Soamou's Institute. Those will includo most of tho cases now on the Tnknpuna. Miss Read has been nppoinled io tiiko charge of tlie Sallow' Hospital anil Dr. Kendall (Acting-Port Health Ofiicer) will bo the visiting medical officer. Mr. James Moore, in an advertisement, appeals to ,thn public to spnro a littlo of their plenty for tho friendless sailors who arc or may become inmates of dho hospital. The expedition and thoroughness with Which Iho new arrangements liavo been mndo reflects credit on all concerned. There were four deaths on the Takar'una yesterday.

SOLDIERS' DEATHS

FEATHERSTON CAMP.

Advice has been received from Featherston Military Camp that the undermentioned died at tho Military Hospital from following influenza:— . „ , XT 7/ogi Cpl. C. L V. AYindleborn, November 15 (Mrs. L. Wiiidloborn, Richmond;' Nelson, m.). nr - 80,230 Pte. C. N. O'Hara, Nov. 16 (Mrs. C. G. O'Hara, Pntiki, AVnngamn, w.). 59.63S Pte. H. 0. Shanaghan, Nov, 15 ■ (Mr=. M. S. Shanaghan, Auckland,' w.). 88.749 Pte. C. T. KeateluNov. 16 (Mrs. C. Keatch, 97 Riddiford St., Newtown/m.). '84.369 Pte. C. AV. Williams, Nov. 16 (Mrs. H. Williams, Christchuroh). 88.009 Ptc.'N. A. H. Smart, Nov. 15 (Airs. A S. Smart, Tlemuern, Auckland). 6/2590 2nd Lt. .C. A. Dartnall, Nov. 15 Air. H. L. Dartnall, Fendaltun, Ohristchurch. f.). 91.454 Pte. T. Shaw,-Nov. 17 (Airs. E. "'Shaw. 1 Standen St., Karori). 83.500 Pte. A. A. Ramsay, Nov. 17 (Afrs. J. B. Ramsav, Taurangn). 66.788. Sgt. .T. Rykes, Nov. 17 (Airs. Sykes, Ohristchureh). 85.748 Pte. P. Al'Grath. Nov. 17 (Mrs. P. H. M'Grath, Kaiapoi). 89.715 Tpr. C. S. Biissell. Nov. 17 (Airs. R. Russell, New Plvmoutb). 82.335 Pte. J. P. S. ICedz'i'e. Nov. 17 (Mrs. M. .T. Kedzlie, Dunedin). 90.694 Pte. AV. D. Gow, Nov. 17 (Air. W. I. Gow, Mnraekakaho. Hawko'stßay). 83.179 Gnr. G. Presoott, Nov. 17 Afrs. L. . M. Prescort, Tuakau, Auckland). 16.H33 Sgt. W. Caruachan, Nov. 17 (Airs. 1 Canmchnn. Featherston). v 6/1885 B.Q.M.S. C. Tames, Nov. 17 (Airs. T.. .Tames. Heretnungn). 89.017 Pte. W. J. Af'Donald, Nov. 16 (Mr. E. MTWR Folcombe). 8/90 Pte. w; K. Bideeway. Nov. 16 (Mr. T. J. Tiid'ewov. Tendon).'; 84.546 C. ¥,'. Gallon. Nor. 16 (Mrs. N. G. Gnllon. New Brighton). 85.092 Pte. S. TC. Jones, Nov. 15 (Mrs. L. J. .Tn'ies, Timaml. - ( 89.315 Pte. T). D. ir'T'.illnn,' Nov. 16 (Airs. A. AT. AfLillin. , 75.518 Q.M.S. B. H. Wywan. Nov. 15 fAfr=. B. H. Wvniari. N"wmnrk»M. 8/SRS ?nd Lt. .1. -T." Doyle, Nov. 15 (Airs. M. Dovle. Hhifn. 110.774 Pte. L. L. Simeon. Nor. ifi (Airs. 1 P. Si'mnsoi, Pamell. Auckland), 90.540 iPte. G. .T. Orchiston (Airs. M.'J. O'Thiofon. Dunedin). 90.732 Pte. G. AWandor, Nov. 15 /Airs. C. Alexander. Hevedon, Anckla"dl. 88 005 Pfp. ft. .T. TrcTrove. Xov. 16 (Airs. T?. .T. Trengrove, Bridge Street, Lower

tfnttt. BB.lS.'i Pte.. H. Collin"!. Nov. 15 (Mrs. N. Colli"*, Wainnlii, Ota<v). 52.557 Pjp. .T. G. Smith. Nov. 17 (Mr. J. Smif-ii, jrirtinWough). 89.123 Pte. T. L, Burke Nov. 17 (Mrs..L. Bnvlf. Tntarnriki. AVm'roaV ' 86.155 Pte. 'TT. Collins. Nnv. 15 (Mrs. H.Collins. Wninalii, OtapoV 18.ni* S.O.M.S. A. E. Weeks, Nov. 1G Wrs. T>.rV">tn„)'. The undermentioned died at the camp f rom influenza:— 90.710 Pte. Edward 0. Jnlinn. Nov. 17 (Mrs. H. L. Julian, it., AYarea, Toranak'i). 81:439 Pte. Edward R. Issell, Nov. 17 (Airs. P. A. Issell. w.. Karamea). 86..W Pte. .Alfred E. Kemp, Nov. 15 (Mrs. C. H. Kemp, w„ 10 Church Street,'•Palm erston North). 90.595 Pte. Jethro Suv'th. No. 16 (Mrs. J. Smith, m., Woodvillo). ; TRENTHAM CAMP. Advice has been received from Trentham Military Camp that the undermontioned men have died at that hospital, except where otherwise, stated, thecause of death being influenza followed by pneumonia \r-' 83,(61 Pte. Ralph B. Brtinton, Nov. 13 (Mr. R. L. Bruiiton, f., Kaipara Flats, North Auckland). 71,936 Pie. Edward J. Rush, Nov. 13 /(Mr. Bush, AA'hangarei). . 92,541 Pte. James C. Brown, Nov. 13

' (Mrs. J. C. Brown, w., Trentham). 85,421 Cpl. Hugh T. Corcoran, Nov. 14

' (Miss Corcoran, Harapepe, Waikato)'. 0/490 Q.M.S. Leslie V. Latimer, Nov. 14 (Mrs. L. Latimer, ,w.! Upper Hutt). 80,r n '.t L.-Cpl. Thomas C. Lawson, Nov. 16 (Mrs. Jf. E. Lawson, w., Dunedin). 6/1145 Pte.' Alexander Fraser, Nov. 16

(Mr 3. W. Fraser, Christchiirch). 79,883 Cpl.: Francis J.■ Cobeldick', Not. 1G (Airs': Jf. A. Cobeldick, Rotorua). 77,068 Cpl; William 1 H. Jones, Nov. 16 (Mrs. W. H. Jones, Linwood, Chrisluuurchj. 81,944 Pte. John Harp, $fov. 16 (Mrs.' J. Harp, w., Grevtown). 30G6. William J. Clark, .of Victoria Hospital, Nov. 10 (Mrs. Clark, w., 22 Nairn Street, Wellington). 92,967 Pte. Denis Quano, Nov. 16 (Mrs. Jr. C. Quane, iv., Blenheim). 82,890 Pte. Arthur E. Cobb, at his home at Lower Hutt, Nov. 17 (Mrs. A. R. ' Cobb, Upper Hutt). 82,115 Pte. James J. Hogan, Nov. 17 (Mrs.. I J. J. Hogan, iv., Doylestdn, Canterbury). 83,015 Cpl. Douglas H. Trofct, Nov. 17 (Mrs. E. Trott, w., 34 Daniel Street, Newtown). 77.G31 Pte. David M. North, Nov. 17 (Jlrs. W. G. North, Picton). 38,502 Pte. W. J. Collins, Nov. 17 (Thomas Collins, f., Greymouth). MISCELLANEOUS. Advice has been received from the Medical Superintendent, Auckland .Hospital, that 40,550 Private William Frederick Grupen, u ! discharged soldier, died there on November 14. H§ was 23 years of age and single, his next-,of-kin'being his mother, Jlrs.M. Grupen, Onehunga. Advice has been. received from Group Area, Gisborne, that 23/2510 John Christie, a discharged soldier, died at Cook •Hospital on November 17. He was 37 yeui-s of age and a widower. Tho next-of-kin is John James 'Christie, son, KaU korai, Dunodin.

Advice has been received from Napier that 19/288 Private Charles Victor, an exmember of the Sainoan Relief Force, died of influenza at the Napier Hospital on November 14. Deceased was 41 years of ago ; and single. His next-of-kin is his brother, Mr. P. Victor, Pitt Street, Sydney. \ '

Advice has been received from Headquarters, Christchurch, that 6/1337 Driver Joseph Mcaney, a discharged soldier, died at Christchurch Hospital on November 14. He was 39 years of age aud single, Ins next-of-kin being Patriot: Meaiiev, Clinton, Southland.

Advice has been received from Headquarters, Christchurch, that 0/157 Sergeant Noel Tavender, an undischarged soldier, died at Christchurch Hospital on November 17. He was 27 years of age and single. His next-of-kin 'is Mrs. A. lavender, Christchurch.

Advice has been received from Defence Headquarters, Aahburton, that 19/101 Corporal Alexander M'Donald, an undischarged soldier on furlough from Samoa, died there at the Public Hospital on November 15. He was 49 years of age and single, his next-of-kin being hjs sister,_ Mrs. J. Connoll, Metcalf, Victoria. Advice has been received from Dunedin that 28,881) Privato .Tames Augustus Kane, an undischarged soldier, died at Dunedin Hospital on November 14. He was 20 years of age and single, his next-of-kin being his father, Mr. P. Kane, Waikouaiti.

Advice lias been received from Headquarters, Dunedin, that 11/852 Trooper Charles Frank llourke, a discharged soldier, died at Dunedin Hospital en Novell)her 14. He was 42 yeans of age and single, his next-of-kin ' being his father, Mr. W. Burke Stanley, Mornington, Dunedin.

"Things much better," was the report from the district last night. Voi'y few new cases squired attention yesterday, imi they were mostly of a mild nature Altogether between 150 and 200 people in the district have been affected to date.

DISINFECTING DWLLLINGS

SUGGESTIONS BAf DK. FBBNGLEY. Suggestions for effectively disinfecting dwellings have been issued by Dr. .1. P. Frengley, Acting-Chief Health Officer, and householders -are requested to iako immediate sleps lo clear their homes of germs, whether influenza has been piwnt or not. Any of the following alternative precautions may be used:— (1) Formalin solution—One part witn 20 parts of water,, and spray room thoroughly. An ordinary garden spray pump may be used for this purpose. (2) Four to six pounds of sulphur to bo burnt in the room. Get an old kerosene, tin, fill it up near to top with garden soil or ashes. Put the sulphur on the soil or ashes. Pour a tablespoonfill of methylated spirit or whisky on sulphur and set alight with amialeh. Alako sure when 'the sulphur is aflame that it cannot burn anything in the vicinity. This can best be done by standing the kerosene tin in a lnrge. galvanised iron tub or in a bedroom basin.

(3) Burn plenty of sulphur candles in the ' room.

In all cases the room should first have all windows and doors closed. Tf there is a fireplace, block up the aperture by ramming newspapers in the opening. Other openings may be elos.ed by pasting paper over holes and cracks with ordinary, starch ipaste. After any of the above means of fumigation have been used in the room it..should be kept closed for at least four hours, or as long as possible. Above all, after fumigation the room must have a spring l cleaning, in which nothing can bo better than soap, water, and a scrubbing brush, well and thoroughly applied. <

COURTS CLOSE DOWN

ALL CIVIL CASES.ADJOURNED FOR A WEEK. Owing to the prevalence of the epidemic it was decided yesterday afternoon to close down the Alagistrate's Court for a week.. only variation of this order will be the taking of the ordinary charge-sheet at 10 a.m. each day. All civil eases are adjourned for a week— until Monday next—when an announcement will be mndo as to future procedure.

In order that no distress may be caused among people receivins moneys under tho provisions of the Destitute Persons Art: the Court office will be open from 10.45 a.m. until 1 p.m. each day for the payment of maintenance money.

TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES

WORKING AVITH HALF STAFFS.

Information was headquarters yesterday that the situation so fains the telegraph and telephone staffs at' Auckland were concerned was improving. There were still 37 operators off .duty yesterday morning, but through the return «to >work of eleven girls the telephone staff was slightly improved, and the outlook was a little more hopeful than has been the ease for tver a week past. '

In Wellington the telegraph and telephono services are being carried on as well as possible with half staffs.- Tho total of those away yesterday (excluding the Postal, staff) was 202, made up as follows:—Exchange, 66; telegraph operators, 44; messengers and clerks, 68; distributors, 11; counter hands, 6; bureau 4; superintendent's room, 3.

Mr. Talbot {Superintendent) says 'that the men who are left on their feet are 1 , doing great ..work. Some of are doing from 15 to 17 hours a day. and there are those who have touched the 18houir mark in the effort that has been made to clean up the congestion. Luckily lie was able to get down a staff on Sunday to clear off the accumulation of week-end messages, so that .'Ol could start with a clean sheet yesterday morning. The epidemic has mon.nt an enormous accretion of work, and as most of the messages are urgent (generally referring to people who are dead or dying), preference is given to such over ordinary business telegrams. *

A Plea for the Telophone Girls. "If the public only knew the difficulties we are working under :.t the Telephone Exchange during the present crisis there would be a chorus of praise instead of complaints." said an authoritative official to a Dominion reporter yesterday. With more than half the staff away, the rest are doing simply wonders, and tlio marvel to me is that they are sticking to it as well as they .Ire. The call Tate for n, week past has] been unprecedented in our busiest limes, and vet with half a staff only we are able to keep things goiug fairly well. 'First attention is being given to urgent calls for doctors. The girls have been given special lists of numbers, and all possible assistance is 'being- given to those unfortunate people who are. endeavoua-ing to secure medical aid.

"When I tell yom that «i out of a staff of 122' wore off duty yesterday yon will realise what we. are up against. Fortunately we have been able to get the assistance of a few ladies with telephone experience, otherwise the situation would be worse than it is.

•"If those people who have no particular business to do and aro simply retailing gossip of no moment would kindly desist from the use <f (he telephono until the present crisis is over, we would be extremely, grateful, aid 80 would, oui: over-worked and harassed staff.' Many of'our girls, besides going 1 eves-out for the full shift, aro talcing on extra duty, and too much praise cannot be given 'them for the efforts (hoy are making to sustain the service, but they really deserve greater consideration from the 'unthinking telephone iwhMc than they are getting."

TRAMWAY SERVICES

TO BE CURTAILED FROM. TO-DAY,

The City Corporation notify that tramway services will be curtailed from today- . ~, , , . The ordinary services will obtain as far as possible between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9.30 a.m., and i p.m. to 7.30 p.m. , „ From 10 a.m. to i p.m. all services will be suspended with tho following exceptions:— Seatoun: A car every hour, will leave Seatoun, returning from Constable Street half an hour later. Karori: One car every hour from the Council Chambers, returning from the Government Bifildings half an hour later. "Brooklyn: Fifteen minutes' service to Wordsworth Street. Island Bay: Twenty minutes service {-o Rintoul Street onlv. Tfataitai: Ten minutes' service, to Courtiwv Place only. .All services will be suspended from 8 p.m. i

"NOT PNEUMONIC PLAGUE"

STATEMENT BY EXPERTS.

The following authoritative statement from bacteriological and medical experts has been published in Dunedin:— Statement:) have appeared in the public Press that cases of pneumonic plague have recently occurred in Dunedin. We have no reason whatever to suppose that there have been any cases of pneumonic plau'ue in New Zealand in connection with the present outbreak of influenza. The. bacterioloey of the world-wide epidemic is quite distinct from s'that nf pneumonic plague, and though the condition is'one which requires careful precauionary measures, only can be done bynanicky statements, which have no scientific foundation. AY. P. GOAVLAND, President Otago Division British Medical Association. D. COLQUITOTIN, 1 Professor of M p dici"". Otn?i University. S. T. CTTAMPTAT.OTIP. Profe«or of Bncfj.rioWv am' Public Heal Mi, Ot""n University. •T. T. BOWTE. AVlin" Medical °-<n-rii>*Tinlejit, Dunedin P^nital. '" f,. urns. District Health Officer. DIRTY BANK NOTES - AS A SOURCE OF CONTAOTON. ' "The manner in which the banks are permitted, to circulate the Pithy banlc nn'es that one had to handle every day." said a responsible Government official yeslerday In a Dominion reporter, "is past comprehension. I believe that these notes are one of the most likely means of contngion at-the present time, as they

may he in the possession of an infected person one minute, and during the snnin day mav pass through several hands; possibly'doing n gre*nt deal of _ harm in riprearii'iis the tocilli of (he disease. I jvas.offered my salarv in notes that were almost ilronpinc to pieces with dirt and wear, and refused lo take it. With all the money the banks are making (vide their balniice-.she.ets), T think they might, replace the notes more often than they do, and see that those in circulation are systematically fumigated. AVhy, too, at this stage in the war, they should not commence to re-issue gold, in lion of notes, is n question (hat might be put to the bank authorities. The very look of n roll of notes is enough to ninkp a person ill, and from a hygijiiic viewpoint, two-thirds of them should bo replaced at once, with new notes."

PREPARING INVALIDS' FOOD

BJJST SCENE IN THE-. TOWN HAI.L,

One of the busiest spots in Wellington during the present trying time is the kitchen in the Town Hall, where food is being prepared- in wholesale quantities for distribution to needy households, and where also contributions from outside are handed in, classified, and renacked In readi"<>ss to meet the never-failing demand.. The kitchen is in charge of the Arayoress and her faithful committee, who have cheerfully switched from their' war efforts, so willingly and consistently performed for four years, to battle against the invisible foe amongst us. Soup, barley water, jellies—these are the standard foods for" bad cases of influenza. It is unwiso'for a patient with any suspicion of temperature to eat anything of a character that makes demands upon the digestive organs, so the endeavour is being made/to furnish nourishing clear soups, refreshing and strengthening barley water, and jellies for cases in need "of them.' There is no cessation 'of work the long day through—onlv sufficient time to snatch a snack and drink a cup of tea, for the applicants is never-ending. ' The Town Hall is not the only place where the good fight is being fought. Tn each 'district,bureau there is an invalid food denartmont, ns well as a medicine and disinfectant department, and applicants may obtain practically -what they please for nothing on proving that their case is genuine. Voluntary workers are doing splendid work in attending to these activities, which unquestionably (in conimiction with those of the volun-. leers who visit patients) must be the means of saving a good many lives.

VEGETABLES, APPLES AND FISH

MAXIMUM PRICES FIXED IN AVE!,-

LINGTON DISTRICTS. A Gazette Extraordinary issj/ed yesterday fixES ihe maximum retail prices of vegetables, apples, and fish in Wellington districts at those ruling on November 1. It also notifies that tho police are empowered to seize and take possession on behalf and for the use of His Majesty' of all vegetables, apples, and fish in the city of Wellington and adjacent boroughs and town districts. To meet the immediate'needs of the general public arrangements liave also been made to -supply fish dealers with a few cases of blue cod to be sold fresh over the counter at not more than lOd. per pound. ,

CONVALESCENT CASES

TO BE EVACUATED QUICKLY. Dr. T. H. A. Valintine has resumed his connection with the Public Health Department for special services during tlio epidemic, advise the.Minister regarding hospital accommodation. He has been specially requested to prepare a scheme for the accommodation of convalescent cases in all cities, so that patieuts may be removed as early,as possible from temporary hospitaft' to make way for further cases. Government House, Auckland, has been made available for convalescent cases. Immediately upon the seriousness of the epidemic becoming known the Governor-

General expressed a wish .that if any good use could be found for the building it would be made available at once for any purpose. The Minister of Public Health, through the Prime Minister, has expressed his appreciation to His Excellency for his action. • "DON'T GET UP!" THE DANGER OP PEELING "GOOD •ENOUGH." Many distressing cases of relapse have occurred through patients fancying they felt "good enough to gee up," and persuading others that they wore quite all right. An instance of this folly only needs to bo quoted to show how tragically regrettable such procedure is. Two convalescents in the Kelburn district felt that they l were quite able not only to leave their beds, but to go for a walk on Sunday morning.' .They ended their walk in un ambulance, and wero in a state of delirium when they reached the llosoitah No inflnouza patients should think N of leaving the warm security of the blankets for at least-two days after their temperature hns returned (o normal, and then they should not expose themselves to draughts or cold winds for a day or two. The malady will not permit of anyone "cracking hearty."

POSITION IN OTHER CENTRES

VAST IMPROVEMENT IN AUCKLAND, y By Telegraph.—Press Association. c Auckland, November 18. Tho' Mayor states that the position with regard to the epidemic to-day as compared with a week ago shows a vast improvement. He is convening a meeting of citizens to continue and extend operations for assisting people unable (o help themselves. The Mayor is also considering the question of starting .a citizens'' relief fund. Mr. Gunsou is asking the Minister of Defence to release at once from camp married men who are well. CIIKRSTCHOTCir HOLDING ITS i OWN. By Tclegraiih—Press Association. Christchurch, November 18. Tho influenza epidemic is still paralysing the city. The admissions to tho Central and temporary hospitals during tho past forty-eight hours were 117, with a death roll of thirty-three, whilo eleven more death-; occurred to-day. • Official reports suggest that the disease is now in hand, and' that an improvement mav bo( looked for. The medical superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Fox, has broken down, and relinquished duty temporarily. Three other members of the medical staff of the hospital have been ill, but are now recovering. The grounds ond buildings' of tho Metropolitan Trotting Club have been commandeered for n temporary hospital.

ColnivM AVvlie, who is officer in charge of tli" Orthopaedic Hosnitnl. nntl who is now in chants of the Chrislchurch -Hospital, stated to-day that, in the twoutyl'nur hours ended at midnight sixty-two coses of influenza had been admitted to lite hc-spitr. l , and the annexe at (lie Boyal Hotel. He said that there was no of " n y decrease in tlio ravages of the disease, but on ths other liand them was no evidence of any increase, while there was much to suggest that it had readied its maximum as far as scrimi.Vne*? went. "I want you to emphasise," Colonel Wylie added., "that the number nf deaths at the hospital is no criterion of the actual gravity of the epidemic, as only exceptionally severe cases urn admitted to hospital." NATIVES IN FAT? NORTH BADLY AFFECTED. Dargaville, November 18. Mr. A. ,C Bbel;, si«nctnte editor of the "Times,"'find the Diclcev Brothers, Iwo well-known farmers, are amongst tlio latest who have (lied from influenza. All the available public buildings arc hiv.ng utilised. Fully fifty Natives ere down at the Te Kopimi School Hospital i.lonc. The Knihu t'istrict reports thut the Natives are in a bad wav. There was one death there this moriiiug. VALUE OF ORGANISATION PROVED IN TABANAKI. Now Plymouth, November 18. The epidemic has been fairly rife in liio Taranaki district, but prompt and thorough organisation has kept it in

check, and reduced (lie serious cases to ;t minimum. On Thursday it was decided to close down all business in New Plymouth nnil stop the running nf trams. Tha cilbens organised forty nar.s, which are being employed in making a daily inside.ion, providing medir.ines. etc.. whilst the women organised and provided nursing and other help. To date about 10 per cent, nf the population aro down with the disease, but many are convalescent, and there is reason to believe that, the buck of the en.'demic has been broken. There have ttoen only two oi' throe deaths so far, and in each case the disease was contracted in an outside disivict. NO SIGN OP ABATEMENT IN DANNKVIEKE. Dannevirko, November 18. The influenza epidemic shows no sign' of abatement. There are 6till many serious cases. The only doctor avaiiablfc for the whole district is i>r. Deck. of\Wnipa\va. Up to ilie present there. have boon ten deaths. There are uianv serious eases in the hospital. . OASES GENERALLY MILD AT OAMAUU. Oamaru. November 18. Influenza is widespread here, but il. hs' generally of a mild type, though a few severe cases are in hospital and four dentils have been reported. Two of the cases were taken oft through trains iu advanced stascs. Energetic measures have been taken to combat the "disease aim a large-hall is being fitted up as ,i supplementary hospital in case one it needed. OASES REPORTED IN OTAGO AND •SOUTHLAND. , Dunedin, November 18> Forty-seven additional pneumonia-in-fluenza cas-is were reported to-day foi the Otago and Southland districts. DEFENSIVE HEASUsSB IN SYDNEY VACCINE TREATMENT HIGHLY 0 COMMENDED. (Eec. November 18, 9.20 p.m.) Sydney, November 18. A special Cabinet meeting discussed the serious reports of the effect of Spanish influenza in Now Zealand, and devised elaborate precautions to combat tho epidemic. The Health officers are of opinion that the disease is not true influenza, but pneumonia of a highly virulent type, which they term epidemic pneumonia. The hospitals have been cleared to-receive patients, an extensive chain of inoculation depots has been established, and large quantities of vac-cine-prepared. It is believed that a strong factor against the introduction of tho epidemic into Australia is the short life of the infective organism when away from the human tissue, medical officers finding it extremely difficult to make culture from the organisms.

The Taedical officer in charge of the quarantine station states ttiut the vaccine treatment has proved a decided success, not only in combating the disease, but in preventing its spread. The situation is now well in hand. The Sonoma and two other vessels have been released. —Press Assn.. '

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS'

HOW TO INHALE,

The process of inhalation, row as regular a part of the'day's occupation as one's meals, is. not a thing to bo taken lightly. Tho person on facing the jet should not open the mouth and inhale vast breaths of the v atomised formalin and sulphate of zinc, as it may irritate the membranes of the throat. The correct way iO V.'.hale is to breathe the vapour through the nostrils in the ordinary way, and not go to any pains m taking in abnormal draughts of the highly medicated vapour.' ST. PETER'S HALL OFFERED. , Yesterday morning the trustees' of St. Peter's Church offered tho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) the use of St. Peter's Hall, a very lummodious building ln'Ghuznee Street. Tho offer was accepted, and the hail will be used as the emergency arises. HOSPITAL OrENED-AT FEATHERSTON. Good progress continues to be made in fighting the epidemic, and a Hospital was opened yesterday afternoon at the Wairarapa Anzac Club, which has been vacated by the soldiers. An experienced nurso to take charge of the institution is, however,. lacking. To dace three civilians have succumbed to the prevailing complaint, and one child. An (inhalation chamber in the town is being fitted up, but the urgent request for one at tho railway station mad'o fo tlio Health Department has not been acceded to. I \ BRING YOUR BOTTLES. Sonio of the chemists in tho city are experiencing a shortago of small bottles. One chemist said that thousands of bottles were being sold each day with medicines and disinfectants, and tlio public appeared to think that tho stock without end. It would considerably relieve the shortage if people when buying medicine would mako a point of bringing a bottle to tako the placo of the ono they carry away with them. Bottles were very dear at present, and a general return of bottles would perhaps make tho price of the medicine a little cheaper.

It is notified that licensees of hotel*, marble bars, etc., are required to tho. roughly disinfect and cleanse their prene isos. Approved disinfectants can be Obtained at the Town Hall at 9d. per pint. Householders Kre also required to take tho same steps.

Lady helpers are urgently required for nursing and visiting in the Lynll Bay miea. Helpers are advised to ring telephone 2WH, or npply to the school, l'ircyiierg Street.

Those in charge of influenza patients in the Northland district are requested to return all bottles when the contents have been used. The bottles after being sterilised are made available for further use.

Tho Eastbourne Borough Council Chambers is the headquartors f or distribution of medicine and information generally. The headquarters are under the charge of Captain Walker and Mr. Robertson. Nnrecn Hall and Trigger bn-vfl placed their services at the disposal of tho local committee, and the use of several motorears has also 'been promised. The school is l to be fitted up as a temporary'hospital with twelve beds, and williiig helpers have offered to make beef tea, soups, etc., for all who are atfli«tc:l.

Attention is drawn to the fact that the St. John's Schoolroom Hospital general inquiry office has been removed next. to 178 "Willis Street, nt tho top of the passage next to St. John's Cluiroh. Extra Food Depot: Homo for Compassion, Buckle Street. The telephone number of the general inquiry office has been altered from .112:1 to .1127. The hospital inquiry telephone number is JG2S- Tho committee, invites the loan of motorcars for the assistance of volunteer visitors. There is need for voluntary workers, such as messengers, visitors, assistance as nurses, and domestic purposes. Gifts of eggs, jellies, and beef tea aro invited. Motor-cars aro greatly'needed. An appeal is mado to leisured women to rally round the call for women to assist iu liomes whore the whole family is sick.

Christchurch influenza fighters have established a soup kitchen to relieve the food problem

The G.P.O. inhalation chamber for the public has been removed from the G.P.O. to Nathan's building (late office of Mr. A. T. Bate), nt the corner of Featherston and Grey Streets.

Colonel Potter, Commandant of Trenthani Camp, has sent several voluntary workers, including dispensers, to "Wellington. Colonel Potter states thnt residents around the district arc milking cows in order to provide an adequate milk supply for the city.

Tlio public are requested to exerciso common sense in the matter of requesting the services uf special messenger*!, At the AYadestown depot yesterday an urgent message was received from Tmranaki btrcet for a boy to run an errand to an address in Goldio's Brae. Subsequently it appeared that all the messenger was required to deliver was a. pound of chops! Such instances of messengers being asked to perform trivial and unnecessary journeys are fairly common.