STATE OF HOSPITALS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 59, 4 December 1918, Page 5

STATE OF HOSPITALS

DECIDED IMPROVEMENT REPORTED. Yesterday's report on the temporary hospitals recorded that only two deaths had occurred during the twenty-four hours ending at noon yesterday. The vacancies at the hospitals at noon yesterday were as follow:— Males. Females. Sydney Street Hall ... IS — . St. John's Schoolroom — — , Boys' College 18 6. St. Patrick's College ... 2S - Normal School — 21 Seamen's Institute ... 24 — Brooklyn 8 10 The discharges from hospitals were 37, and from convalescent homes 18. The vacancies in the. convalescent homes were:— Males. Females. Oriental Bay — 1 Salvation Army Training College — '5 Wellington .South 13 St. Thomas's (Newtown 14 St. Anne's (Newtown) — — _ The above figures show a decided improvement upon those of tho previous day. IN THE CAMPS LESS THAN 200 SOLDIERS AFFECTED The situation in the military camps in the Wellington district lias so far improved that there are now less than 200 influenza cases in hospital. The number of serious cases is 16.' Yesterday, only two men were admitted to hospital suffering from influenza, and no deaths occurred. The health- report is as follows:— . Featherston. Paraded eick ; 7 Admitted >to hospital 1 • Remaining in hospital .' 114 - Serious cases 13 Deaths 0 Trentham, Paraded sick 2 Admitted to hospital 1 Remaining in hospital 57 Serious cases i ■ 3 Deaths 0 Awapuni. Paraded eick 1 Admitted to hospital " 0 Remaining in hospital jo Serious cases 0 Deaths '" q SOLDIERS' DEATHS Advice has been received that 2/1836 a ' Piegimental Sergeant-Major Samuel Wiltß' $ th t*" struc ' ion «l Staff, died at frentham Military Hospital on December 1, from influenza and pneumonia Deceased was 30 years of age and married, hie next-of-tan being his wife Mrs Wil son, Tapu Thames, Advice has been received from Headquarters, CJiristclmrch, that 6/83 Private John Charles Leversedge, a discharged 6oldier, died on November 24. Deceased was 21 years of age and single, his next-of-tan being W. C. Loversedge, Fendalton, Christchurch. 65,731 Private William Harold Anthony Scott, an undischarged soldier died, at Napier Hospital on November 30 Deceased was 22 years of ago and single, me next-of-hn -being his father, William Scott, Napier. v 13 i ,76 l aio Jonn folrart O'Connor rlicd at Victoria Hospital on , November .8, trom influenza and pneumonia and cerebrospinal meningitis. Deceased was 28 years of ago and single, 'his noxUf- , km being his mother, Mrs. B. O'Connor 25 Barker Street, Wellington. Advice has been received that 22,857 Edwatfd A. Quinn, an undischarged soldier, died on November 25 from influenza. Deceased was 23 years of age and | single, his next-of-kin being Mrs. Malone, friend, Riverlea, Taranaki 13/2950 Thomas Smith Waugh, a discharged soldier, died from influenza on December 2. He was 88 years of age and single, Mβ neakpf-Mn being Ms sister, , Mrs. Esther- Smith, ffaugiwof, iwktand. I

3/3410 Private John Patrick Kirby, an undischarged eoldier, died at Te Aroha Temporary Hospital on November 23 from pneumonia-influenza. Deceased was 33 years of age and mairried. His next-of-kin is his wife, Mrs. C. Kirby, Tβ Aroha. .

Advice has been ireceived that 7/2558 William Patrick Kelly, a discharged soldier, died at Christchurch Hospital on November 15 from influenza. Deceased was 3a years of age and single, his next-of-kin being his mother, Mrs. M. J. Kelly, Greymouth. 25/3 Captain William Colenso Drummond, struck oft' the strength of the N.Z.E.P., died on November 20. Deceased was 3S years of age and married, his next-of-kin'being his wife, Mrs. Mau/.l A. Drummond, Dannevirke. 8/1141 Lance-Corporal Joseph Cossgrove, a discharged soldiea 1 , died on November 21. Deceased was 24 years of age and single, his next-of-kin being Mrs. B. Toming, Motliorwell, Scotland., 10/2245 Private George Stanley Morau. a discharged soldier, died on November 18. He was 26 years of age and single, his next-of-kin being his mother, Mrs. J. Moran, Mataniau. 10/3588 Corporal William George Hiirrigan a discharged soldier, died on November 23. Deceased was 26 years of age and single. Advice has been received that il'J'Ji Vivian Gerald O'Callaghan, a discharged soldier, died at Christchurch Hospital on November 19, the cause of death being influenza nnd pneumonia. Deceased was 25 years of age and 1 single, his next-of-kin beimr Mrs. Annie O'Callaghan, Fendalton, Christchurch. Advice has 'been received from group area, Gisborne. that 41,787 Lance-Corpornl William George Gray, a discharged soldier, died on December 1 from influenza. Deceased was 39 years of age and single, his next-of-kin being his mother, Mrs. S. Gray, Gisborne. Advice has been received that 10/3031 Private' Frederick Millar,' a discharged soldier died at Victoria Hospital on December 1 from influenza, purulent bronchitis, and cardiac failure. Deceased was 2G years of age and married, his next-of-kin' being his wife, Mrs. E. Millar, G Dee Street, Island Bay, Advice has been received that 3/-102 Private Sydney James Benzie, an undischarged soldier, died at Dannevirke Hospital on December 2 from pneumonia. Deceased was 31 years of age and mairried. his next-of-bn being his wife, Mrs. B. Bonzio, Napier. . 16/640 Lance-Corporal Ben' Kin died on November 28. Deceased was 2-t yenrs of age and single, his next-of-km being Mrs. T. Karepa, Victoria Valley, Mαngonui County. . Advice has 'been received that Private Alfred Scriven, of the Army bemee Corps, died yesterday morning, the cause of death being pneumonia. Deceased was 29 years of age and single, his next-of-km being hie brother, Sergeant Scriven, Ho Abel Smith Street, Wellington. Base Records Office advised on November 2fl of the death of li/212 Albert James Gridley (M.M.), an undischarged soldier. A correcting telegram has been received from Headquarters, Christchurch stating that the man who died was 0/241 Private Arthur Gridley, a discharged soldier, whose next-of-kin is Mrs. Caroline Gridley, mother, Blenheim.

WORK OF THE CENTRES st atement~by"the mayor. "I don't think the centres are carrying on any very active work now in con nectiop with tho epidemic," the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, M.P.) stated to a reporter yesterday. "A change in the state of affairs has taken place, and cases are now being handled by Central Heftdojiarters at the Town Hall, where the ambulances and the nurses are available. J.he volume of work has been eo reduced that it has been recommended that an oflice which has acted as the link of 'communication between headquarters and the cutferent branches be closed. The ambulance station is now in direct communication with all the centres. Of course there are still some cases coming in from various parts of the city and suburbs, and some of them are serious cases. His Worship added what lie' termed a layman's word of warning to those who had been patients and had received treatment in the hospitals. He sincerely hoped that for their own sake and for the sake of others they would take every precaution against relarjse, and avoid doing anything that would" impair the effectiveness of the-work the city had done. .'No doubt that matter had been sufficiently emphasised by the. .medical men who have attended the cases," the Mayor observed. The work for the children was still going on apace at Kelbiirn and Miraniar, and everything possible was being done to make the little-ones comfortable and happy. "Some youngsters in the homes," said His Worship, "will be going back to their people again, and so far as those children aro concerned it may perhaps be said that they arc having the happiest time of their lives."

Wellington Central, Although it has been proposed to transfer the depot of the Wellington Central Committee to the Trades Hall, nothing has yet been done in the matter, and the work is still going on at St. John's. All cases of influenza are now reported to the Town Hall, but cases of distress are being dealt with as before by., the committee. Tho children's department also remains active. Tho Central Committee lias dealt with about G2 children in nil. A good indication of the decline of work in the children's department is afforded by the fact that yesterday there were no admissions as against one on the previous day and five on the day More that. The committee yesterday 6ent home eight children, and eleven had previously been called.for by their guardians. Wellington North. The position in this district is much improved. Yesterday a few cases were reported, and dealt with immediately. Some of these cases were urgent, and one was an ambulance case. The committee regretfully reports the loss of another of its workers, who passed away at his residence. Tho most of the committee's time is taken up in dealing with appeals for relief. The committee's belief that Wellington North has suffered more severely than any other part of Wellington, is borne out by the fact that 2265 appeals of all sorts have been registered. All the distress the committee is dealing with has arisen directly fvom the influenza and from no antecedent cause, and the committee appeals for financial aid. As the money already re- ! ceived is quite inadequate, The committee was cheered by a letter received yesterday. The writer eaid: "I appreciate very much the prompt and efficient help received, and send you ,£1 to help meet the distress."

the following. donations are acknowledged:—Mr. Ayson, 411 j P. Christian, £1; N.M.. £1; Anonymous, ss.'; W. S. Reid, £3 35.; Mr. and Mre. B. R, Black, ,£lO 10s.; Matthew Routley, £2 The Lyall Bay Epidemic Committee tcport that tho following subscriptions to the relief fund have been received:— Messrs. Hyarns, E. R, Lawrence, E. A. W. Smith, "J.M.8.," and Culford 8011, £5 each; R. A. Wright, M.P., £3 35.; F. 3. Evans, A. Edjinton, T. H. Jackfion, and A. W. Whitehead, £% 2*. each; J. T. Horn, J. Shaw, A. A. Gellatly, and Mrs. Gellatly, A. Rowell, £1 each; K. M'Kenzie, Herb. Price, M. Galligan, E. L. Phillips, £1 Is. each; M. Ennis. Mrs. Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, J. W. Baird, J. C. Crawford, Mrs. Gilpin, Mr. and Mrs. Holland, Mr. and Mrs.. Lawrence, H.- Irvine, £1 each; "A.T.5.," 10s'. Gd. j R. E. Gambrill, S. Gambrill, Thompson, "Sympathiser,"- "J.C.R.," Mrs. Howison, R. Boutell, E. Dfillison, "A.E.P.," "E.H.," 10s. each; — Foster, Cs.; J. V. Garnham, "Anon.," Mrs. Rankinc, Mrs. Hare, Patrick, J. Reid, "E.A.5.," "W.J.G.," Robinson, Stanford, Bnico and Billy, W. Kerr, L. H. Wallace, "L.W.," "W.K.D.," Mrs. Dyson, Mrs. Milsom, A. W. Moran, P. T. Jellicoo, Riddick. D. Carman, H. Mantell, A. W. Moran, jiin., "T1..T.8.," A. Dane, W. J). Rankiue, D. Wood, W. Noad, V. D. Doyle, ss. each; "J. 5.," "F.W.," 2s. (id. each; — Geoch. 35.; "Queen's Drive," L. Moran, "A.AV.," O. Gunderson, "H.," H. G. Wilton, 11. Sopp, 23. each; "Anon.," In. Total, ,£73 17s. During the two weeks tho inlhipn/.ii epidemic raged in Wellington, the (irm of Hope Gibbons, Sons, and .f. 1!. Clarkeon, Ltd., placed at the disposal of the city health authorities three motor ambulances and three expert driversMessrs. , Baxtor, Goodall, and Holmes. The vehicles were kept going day and night, but, luckily, not 0110 of tho driv-

ers contracted the complaint; Another member of the firm's ataff relieved the drivers tit intervals, nnd Mr. J. B. Clr/K----son placed himself and car at the service of Dr. Grimm, of tho Moana, who did great work attending epidemic pationts in their homes. The firm paid the wages of all men devoted to coyibating the influenza, and the only cost to the city for the three motors was for benzine and running upkeep. Moreover, during the critical epidemic period the firm's staff was greatly depleted, but those who escaped infection readily worked to maintain business at normal, and the warehouse was open continuously. Tho Wellington North Epidemic Committee acknowledge the following :—M.r. Walter Nathan, £10; Mr. W. S. Marshall (Huntervillc), .£5; Miss Chalmers, £b as.; Sympathiser, J& 3i.; Mrs. Gilmer, £S; Mr. S. S. Patterson, £2 25.; Miss V. E. Herbert, .£2 25.; Mrs. J. Adams, £2 ss. For the children: Mr. James Findlay, £5; Mr. Mantell, .£l. The reports from the various sections in the Carterton district continue to show an improvement. There are still a few fresh cases reported, but, all of a mild nature. At tho time of writing, says our special correspondent, there are seventeen under treatment in tho temporary hospital. Si.ice tho outbreak there have been fifty admissions to the hospital. There have been five deaths amongst the Maoris at Gladstone, and every precaution has been taken to prevent tho spread of the disease amongst them, and disinfecting nnd proper attention to sanitation have been vigorously practised. Mr. J. Vigor Brown (Napier) gave notice in the House of Representatives yesterday to ask the Minister in Chargo of the Public Trust Office whether he will instruct the Public Trust" bracers not to enforce the penal clause in overdue payments of interest on mortgages due _to the Department by people who have died or are ill with influenza. "One widow in Hawke's Bay is being penalised at the rate of 12s. per day while slid and her family are all in hospital," said Mr. Brown.

No new cases have been reported (states our Greytown correspondent). All in and out-patients aro doing well, except two very serious cases in the temporary hospital. REPORTED DISCOVERY OF THE BACILLUS "GENETICALLY RELATED TO PLAGUE." Cape Town, December 2. Dr. Ellington, Medical Superintendent of Grey's Hospital, Maritzburg, in a paper dealing with the so-called Spanish influenza, claimed that he had succeeded in isolating 'the streptobncillus, whi&h was genetically related to plague, but was, nevertheless, no new species; also that it was "similar to bubonic plague. Tho bacillus found a host in rats; fleas, and other vermin..—Aus.-N.7i. Cable Assn.

HOLIDAYS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED. In the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon, the Hon. W. Earnshaw asked whether tho Government would take into favourable consideration some relief by way of extended holiday to those Public Servants who have, at great sacrifice to health, kept their post and the eorvices running during the late trying time of epidemic. Mr. Earnslmw mentioned that several cases had come under his notico where workers had continued their duty and had almost succumbed in the effort. The Leader of the Council (Sir Francis Bell) ;said ho quite agreed with the suggestion. The matter would be considered before the Supplementary Estimates came down. THE HEALTH REGULATIONS SEVERAL BREACHES ALLEGED. (By Telegraph—Special Correspondents (Tni'istchurch, December 3. In the Police Court to-day a tramway passenge. , was charged with travelling before the expiration of the period of convalescence from influenza, and was* ordered to pay a fino of ss. and witnesses' expenses. This is the fii-st case in Christchnrch of a breach of the health regulations. / Several publicans vere charged with keeping hotel bars open after the date of closing ordered by the Health Department. One- defendant pleaded guilty. Miction of a penalty wns deferred till the .hearing of tho other cases, which were adjourned. QDARANMDAT PAPEETE ONE DEATH ON THE NAVUA. The Union Company's steamer Navua is in quarantine at Papeete, owing to inflnenza having broken out among the crew. The death.from that disease was reported in Wellington yesterday of Mr. -J. 0. Penman, the second engineer. He was buried at Papeete. His relatives live in Auckland. The others of the vessel's crew are reported to bo doing well.. The Navua is en route from San Francisco to Wellington, via Papeete. On arrival at the Island port several days ago she was quarantined immediately, and up to yesterday no advice had been received here as to whether the Navua hnd resumed her voyage. She is not carrying passengers, but has a full cargo of general' merchandise.

ANXIETY REGARDING MAORI PAS A TANGI DISPERSED. By Telegraph-Press Association. Gisborne, December 3. Considerable anxiety is being occasioned by the large number of cases in the various Maori pas in the outlying districts. There are believed to be a hundred cases in the Tiniroto district. Dr. Bowie, who has been sent from Gisborne to investigate the position in the Native settlements between Gisborne and Wairoa, has reported several deaths amongst the Natives at Tβ Reinga and Ruiikihiri. -As both the doctors at Wairoa are ill Dr. Bowie will also help there. A Native tangi at Manutuke was dispersed by the health inspector to-day, who ordered three hundred participants ,to return home, and the body was immediately buried. ' DR. POMARE SANGUINE THE I WORST .IS OVER. Palmerston North, December 3. The Hon. Dr. Pomare, who passed through Palmerston North on his return to Wellington to-day, has visited most of the Native centres in the North Island. Ho expressed himself sanguine that the'worst is now over, but says it would be a mistake to "let up" at the present time. He says seven Native hospitals have been established, and good work is being done at all of them. POSITION INJTHER DISTRICTS EVIDENCES OF ABATEMENT TN CHRISTCHURCH. fly TolcEmph--Presa Association. Christchurch, December 3. Reports regarding the influenza continue to be favourable. Admissions to the hospital yesterday wero six and the deaths lour. Eyidenco of the abatement of the trouble is provided by tho fact that many of the suburban depots nro now closed, while others arc open only for restricted hours. Tho city churches are to be permitted to open next Sunday for ordinary services. IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES AT DUNEDIN. Dunedin, December 3. Tho improvement regarding the epidemic continues. Them wero fewer admissions to tho hospitiils to-dny, mid tin* dciilli-rale "'as the lowest since Ihe outbreak become serious. The culls ,for medical assistance also show a reduction, but niirsiriß assistance is still in great demand. The notifications for Olngo mid Southland to-day total fifty. The hairdressers' silicons are to open en Friday. Possibly <')ub sports will bo allowed on Saturday. SATISFACTORY R.EPOBTS FROM INVERCARGILL. Invercargill, December 3. Tho reports to-day are satisfactory, and business is being gradually resumed.

FEW FRESH CASKS AT CiISIIORNH. Gisborne, December .'I. Tho position regarding lh<« inllunizu epidemic is becoming increMincly satisfactory in town f.ud suburbs, where, very few fresh cases liavo been reported during the last few days. Tho deaths during November from influenza, numbered 50; including a down Natives from outlying sheaving sliilums. GREAT IMPROVEMENT AT KLTIIAM. Elthain, December 11. Tho position has gri-ntly improved locally in connection with tho epidemic There have been only thrw admissions to the emergency hospitals since S:il unlay. Tho total deaths in this district in dale number sixteen. LITTLE AT BLBNIIT.IM. Blenheim, December :i. Improved weather conditions favour the prospects of an improvement in tins p|)idp!nic position, which shows no marked change yet. The number of deaths has been increased by five, lnoliidin? a nurse at the hospital, making the total 26. WESTPORT ALMOST BACK" TO NORMAL. Wustport, December SI. The epidemic is on its last lc>>, and tho town has been practically immune from new cases during the past three dnys. The patients in tho hospital are mostly in the convalescent stage. Tho town "has had n. wonderful cleaning up. Shipping is now, brisk, and everything ia almost back to tho normal sUise. DECIDED IMPROVEMENT AT GREYMOUTH. Greyinouth, December 3.. The fine weather is responsible for a decided improvement in regard (o tho influenza epidemic. There aro a few serious cases still in hospital, where thoro are 52 patients. There are good reports from the Olira line, but not so gnuil from the Reefton line. There are threo biul cases at Blackball. EPIDEMIC ABATING AT WAIMATB. Waimatc, December ,1. ■ There have been fifteen deaths hero from influenza to date.. The- patients now in- t'he YVaimaie Hospital Lumber 32, and in.Morven School 18. The, epiI demic is now abating.

MASTERTQN ALMOST CLEAR, (By Telegraph—Special Corespondent.) Masterton, December 3. Masterton is also clear of influenza. Only .1 few cases »;ro reported to-day, including two or tjireo union shearers, and only one death. . THE EPIDEMIC IN AUSTRALIA , QUARANTINE SERVICE nOPER FOR RECORD TRIUMPH. (Dec. December 3, 10.30 p.m.) Sydney, December 3. Tho weather is very hot, which is very welcome to the medical authorities, as enhancing the chances of holding the influenza, epidemic in check. The "Medical Journal" is optimistic, and declares that in another week 'the quarantine- servico will be in tho proud position of having achieved the greatest triumph of its kind in the history of epidemiology. —Press Assu.