INFLUENZA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 63, 9 December 1918, Page 6

INFLUENZA

WINDING UP COMMITTEES , CARE OF THE ORPHANS COST OF THE CAMPAIGN Tho authorities had nothing new to report yesterday in connection with the iniluenza epidemic. official view is that tho outbreak is well in hand, and that it will ho possible to close clown the last of the emergency hospitals within the next six or eight days. Occasional cuses are likely to occur for some time to come, but the epidemic proper is regarded as ended. A Dominion representative was informed on Saturday that hours bad been fixod for the supply -of medicine at the Town Hall. Tho hours for to-day are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. to G p.m. 'The kitchen was closed finally on Saturday. The clothing department will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. daily for a few days. The patients at the Wellington Hospital, about) 50 in number, are all doing well. Two cases were admitted over the week-end, but they were not of an extremely serious nature. Position in the Camps, On Saturday there were only 116 men suffering from influenza in the three camps in the Wellington military district. Of this number • thirteen were serious cases. One death from pneumonia was reported from Trenthnm. Tho health report was as follows:— .' Awapuni. Paraded sick 0 Remaining in hospital 5 Serious cases 0 Deaths .".......... 0 Featherston. Paraded sick 2 Admitted to hospital 0 Remaining in hospital 90 Serious cases 11 Deaths 0 Trentham. : Paraded sick' v 3 Admitted to hospital 2 • Remaining in hospital 67 Sorious cases 2 Death ) WELLINGTON NORtFrE VIEWS THE FIGHT SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF HEALTH. _ As a wind-up "to the work of the Wellington North epidemic fighters, a social gathering was held in St. Andrew's Schoolroom on Saturday evening. A large number were present, among whom were the Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister of Public iHealth, His Worship the Mayor, Mr. J. P. Luke, and (lie Mayoress. The Bev. S. Robertson Orr, who acted as o'fficer-in-charge of the group, presided. In the course of a brief review of the operations of the past few weeks, the Rev. Mr. Orr stated that in the first few days of November he had interviewed the Mayor after tho knowledge of the first death, and had given him some information about certain people who had arrived by a certain vessel in the city. Citizens should be proud to think that the Mayor's response showed that he was 60 early alive to the interests of the people. 'Mr. Luke said that he had already approached the Public Health Department, and that they were moving in the matter. . They moved rather slowly, but, however, tney did move. The Wellington North Committee organised their workers, and by the time the epidemic was at its height everything worked smoothly. Records kept from the third day on till the end showed that nearly 2000 appeals were answered. In all 2480 appeals were registered, but some four to five hundred were merely appeals for food. Mr. Orr, continuing, said that it might he interesting to detail the calls received in regard to the areas from which they originated. In Boulcott Street' there were 114 cases and 2 deaths; Tinakori Road, 131 cases with 4.deaths; Thorndon Quay, 109 cases with 3 deaths; Wellington Terrace, 79 cases with 4 deaths; Lambton Quay, 49 cases with 5 deaths; Molesworth Street, 69 cases with 3 deaths. It would be noticed that these are very largely boardinghouse areas, and areas in which there' was not sufficient room for the various individuals to live comfortably. They were boardinghousos in which people lived under unnatural' conditions; where two or three either young men or young women slept in a room and probably cooked their, own food iu the same room. These streets also embraced areas where the houses were too close together and very insanitary. It was unnecessary to' draw conclusions, such being obvious. It had been suggested that the authorities should be called upon to review the question of cheaper fares to the suburbs to attract the people from the crowded areas in the city. 'The Government should be approached in regard to the railways, and it might be in order to suggest the adoption of a universal twopenny fare on the tramways. Thus the numbers of, vacant areas around the city could be inhabited—even if from only a humanitarian point of view. N

The number of helpers working was 225, who met the 2000 odd appeals within some twelve to fourteen days. 'Intro were departments to meet every part of the work—medicine, kitchens, inhalation, disinfecting, records, telephone, and two hospitals were managed with success. Thanks wore du« to everyone; to individualise was a mntter for tho keenest and most discriminating judg?, and even he would return an open verdict. A rough estimate of the cost would show that the cost per case in the district would approximate ten shilling. The epidemic would remain a sad and terrible memory; and it was surely the prayer of all that New. Zealand would never see another period like it. The Minister of Public Health (tho Hon.' G. W. Russell) said he was glad of the opportunity to thank those who had worked so hard, and with such endurance which reflected as great heroism as our men had on the battlefield. He did not wish to Tefer to criticisms, but had no hesitation in admitting that the Government Department of which ho was the head-that of the Public Healthwas not perfect in any way. But it should be borne in mind that New Zealand had never had been the victim of. a disease equal to the blast of death that had swept the world. The Department was unprepared for the epidemic of which thoro had been no previous experience. However, the experience gained and the observations made would be of immense value whenever the next visitation came, and there would bo then a trained body to fight £ie disease, profiling by the present epidemic. Mr. Russell, continuing, 'said that Dr. Frengley had been sent at an hour's. notice lo Auckland for tho purpose of organising tho campaign . there. Shortly after ho himself went to the northern city, and added his Ministerial authority and Weight to Hie organisation. He clearly laid down that the policy of his Department and of the Government was that money was to be no object in the fight with death. On his return'to Wellington he found that the disease had broken out here, but the- peoplo had rallied round the Mayor, and finc| work was done in all parts, of the city. Ho could not give the figures ho had in his possession, but it would be found that when the death-rate for the four centres vas published Wellington had a record which was a fine one, and a tribute to tho epidemic fighters. General methods were of no avail in fighting an epidemic, ami it was only by house-to-house visits, ;i ncl by dragging out the people'that success had been won. Everyone had worked hard, but he would mention one vhom Mr. Orr could not, and that was Mr. Orr himself. He had shown a spirit of sacrifice and zeal. In concluding, the Minister said that his officers had told him that the disease came in waves—tho first a large one, succeeded by smaller ones, finishing di- : minuendo. But ho felt sure that New Zealand had finished the disease with the first wave. This was due to' the noble work which had been done by men and women. A special tribute was due to tho women who had done nobler, if 6uch were possible, work than the men.

The Government appreciated the- work of the Boy Scouts, who had worked splendidly and assisted enormously. The light had no doubt cost a lot of money, but Parliament would probably vote .IUIXI.fIOO towards liquidation of the expenses. If any ft'rtlicr sum was required he was going to ask authority to draw on the Unauthorised Expenditure Account. Provision would be made for the little ones who had lost their parents. It was hoped that many of them would be adopted, and the Government would probably pay part of the cost of their maintenance. The children would be placed in good surroundings where they would have every chance, and not be handicapped by the, knowledge of the loss of, or by the loss of, their parents. His Worship the Mayor, Mr. J. P. Luke, said that it was for him and Mrs. Luke the first free night for three weeks. Wellington had not been caught napping. When the epidemic broke out in Auckland he had accompanied the chairman of the Wellington Hospital Board in an interview with the Health Department on the matter. There it was found that the machinery was verv complicated, and there was a triple responsibility evolving therefrom. He was told to look after the city works. The work of combating the epidemic was for the Hospital Board. The Health Department undertook the supreme work. Mr. Luke briefly alluded to the method of organising the city. A. feature had been that the disease was not peculiar to any part of the city. He, as Mayor, wished to thank nil those who had worked'so hard, and asked that they all subscribe an' album, which would be placed in a public building as a memorial for all time. Later on a public function would be held to mark the city's appreciation of the services of the emergency helpers. At the conclusion of the Mayor's address; cheers were called for him and the Mayoress, Mrs. Luke. A musical programme and supper concluded the proceedings, which were most enthusiastic.

ISLAND BAY DISTRICT. Mr. C. C. Odlin reports that many of tbe epidemic committee workers have been stricken with influenza, no doubt contacted by the long hours of selfeacrlrAcinu work put in. "One of the best workers, Mr. Berry," says Mr. Odlin, the chairman, "died on Friday after onlv a few days' illness. Mr. N. F. Willougbby and Mr. C. M. Cox are both contiueu to their beds. Mr. A. M. Anderson, P. O'Regan, jun., and the Rev. Mr. Castles are • convalescent. Several visitors from the Home of Compassion, who did such noble and unselfish work in nursing, are still in a state of convalescence, and confined to their rooms. The other patients in the district are steadily improving. Mr. M'Donald (Board of Trade) and Mr. Butler (Education Department) are progressing favourably. Great help has b;u;n given by motor-car and motor-cycle owners, also by the Boy Scouts, and the committee will be pleased to receive donations towards relief and expenses incurred in the campaign." HATAITAI. The Hataitai Epidemic Committee met on Saturday evening, when the report aiui statement of receipts and expenditure were presented. There was an attendance of thirty. The expenditure in-

curved amounted to Ml, and after paying this a.balance of =CSO remained. Of this, J226 was earmarked for Hie T'olley fund, and Ji2t for the relief of families in distress. Messrs. A. G. Unrnett, A. Leigh Hunt, and H. W.-Tolan were appointed trustees. Patients who had been attended by Sister Jessie are forwarding to her a travelling valise for use in her work among the Maoris. ' A pleasing featuro of the statement was "motor-car-cost, nil." The executive were of opinion that any attempt to reward the epidemic fighters by special votes of thanks or badges, as has been suggested, would be contrary to tho workers' wishes. A number of letters of appreciation from patients were read to the meeting. The chairman, in his remarks, mentioned that the statistics of the epidemic in Hataitai had been carefully compiled, and would be available' for the authorities when required. He congratulated the committee upon their thorough work throughout. The depot was open less than three weeks. The visitation had been short and terrible, but willing and devoted workers had put forth every effort tq assist those stricken, and to light down the epidemic. Tlw inspection of interiors of houses was a subject upon which there would be differences of opinion, but it was imperative that something should be done in this direction. KILBIRNIE. After a- strenuous time, lasting over three weeks, a meeting of the committee was held on Friday evening, Mr. J. J. Clark, captain of the district; in the chair. It was decided to close down on Saturday morning, the cases of sickness being now so few and light. The district is a large one and the cases have been very numerous, but the visiting and re-' porting of illness, nursing and domestic work, inhalation chamber and spraying houses have bsen willingly and conscientiously carried out by the men and women of the district; also the use of own motor-cars, without a thought of remuneration, the entire work of coping with the epidemic being voluntary. Votes of thanks were passed by the committee to all those women of the district (some names are not known) who donate! eggs and all kinds of 60ups, etc., to help Mrs. J. J. Clark in her work of providing nourishment for the sick; to Drs. M'Kenzie, Giesen, and Pattie for their kindness and attention to patients at all times—day and night—and to Messrs. Easson, Just and Howell for u.se of their cars, and to Miss Cooper and Mr. Naylor as sanitary inspectors; also to the following:—Nursing, Messrs. Easson, Feltham, and Just, Sergeant-Major Badger, Nurse Harris, Mesdames Aikin, Beggs, Ernest Clarke, Deverell, Fathers, Greenslade, M'Millan, Rigg, and Walden, .the Misses Cooper (2), Frethey, Preston and Robinson; A special vote was passed to Mrs. Greenslade and Mr. . Easson for 4heir 'untiring work; medicine, fruit, and disinfectant depot, and- visiting and reporting of cases, Mrs. M'Whannel in charge, but unfortunately she had to retire owing to illness, when her duties were undertaken by Miss Robieson, with the. following as willing co-workers: Mes dames M'Culloch, Matthews, Mellings, and Hunter, the Misses Beggs, Cooney, Matthews and White. Inhalation chamber: Rev. Hugh Beggs, Messrs. Deverell, Fathers, Feltham, Matthews, and Worboys, and to the Boy Scouts, the Salvation Army and Y.M.C.A. for their willing work. The .committee expressed its gratitude to one and all who had helfVcd in any way, and'are still ready at the call of their captain for any "further trouble, which it is sincerely hoped will not arise.

LYALL BAY. A meeting of the Lyall Buy Epidemic Committee was held on Saturday evening. It was resolved to close the depot and refer any callers to ftiir. J. J. M'Grnth at (he Kilhirnio Centre. Au interim report and statement of acooiinis was submitted. The chairman expressed the thanks of the executive to all helpers in the campaign, especially to Drs. Alice Oow, l<\ \\ jilhtce" Mackenzie, (he lionorary nursing staff, and the voluntary motor-car owners, through whose assistance tho committee was able lo carry on practically without expenditure, for motor hire. The overcrowding in the small cot inges nt the Bay was again discussed, and it was resolved to give the matter further consideration at the next meeting, in the meantime, the proposals of the City Council 'will bo ascertained, and if necessary further representations made to the authorities on the subject. The temporary inspector appointed' by the Mayor to report on the sanitary conditions in the district was requested (o continue his efforts, and if necessary I'Vfploy an assistant for disinfecting and cleaning out. Subscriptions lo the relief fund to date total .£1(1!) Us., which wiil be acknowledged in detail later. • POSITION IN OTHER DISTRICTS GENEKAT, COhhAI'SK IN THE SOUTH. fly Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, December 7. The Health Ofliccr reports that influenza is no longer epidemic in Otago and Southland. There were only four admissions lo the public hospital during the last twenty-four hours, and two deaths. Ashhurton, December 7. There aro twenty oiie influenza patients

in the Ashmirton Hospital, andjhirtyone at Methven. Timarii, December 8. The influenza epidemic is dying out. The only fresh admissions to hospitals on Saturday were three at Waimnte. Other centics are closing the temporary hospitals, and convai.'scents in teniiiorary homes are being rapidly reduced in numbers. ON THE WEST COAST. Reefton, December 7. During the week one death (the first in the district) has occurred. Most of the cases ore mild, only one being acute. The total in hospital is now '15. Grcymouth, December 7. A few mild cases are reported. The Technical School hospital is closing today. t'Viur of tho worst cases have been removed to the main hospital. A meeting has bpen held at Otira lino nnd a relief fund for the sufferers inaugurated. Later. Two more deaths occurred this morning—Mrs. E. O'Sullivan and Mrs. Pearson. The latter's husband died last week. Heavy rain has fallen during the past week, and the weather is more like winter than summer. Hokitika, December 7. One death from influenza was reported for the week. AH the auxiliary institutions in town and country arc now closed. There are 31 patients in the Westland Hospital, one case being serious. The extra medical officer sent here, to assist left to-day, together with the medical student, who was struck down with influenz.i immediately on arrival. IN THE WAIRARAPA. Carterton, December 7. The influenza epidemic .is practically over. Since the outbreak there have been nine deaths of residents in Ihe borough and seventeen in the. country, including three Natives. _ The prompt and perfect organisation quickly got the complaint in hand, and though a considerably number contracted it, the steps taken proved effective in controlling the disease. By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent. Masterton, December 8. The epidemic has abated. .There were no deaths to-day, and very few fresh cases. THE ORPHANED CHILDREN GOVERNMENT'S PLANS THE OBJECTION TO INSTITUTIONS.

The care of children orphaned by the influenza epidemic was mentioned again in the Houso of Representatives on Saturday. Mr. Hornsby (Wairarapa) asked that some adequate provision should be made for theso children, and that they should not be placed in .the hands of charitable aid boards.

The Hon. G. W..Russell, Minister of Public Health,, said it was a Question whether the children orphaned by the recent epidemic were to be treated differently from the children who lost their parents in normal times. The matler would require careful consideration. Hearts were overflowing with sympathy for the little sufferers by the epidemic, but that was simply one phase of a problem that always existed, namely, how orplian children were to. bo dealt with. The responsibility rested chiefly with Iho Minister of Education, who had already asked the hospital boards to obtain, through the epidemic committees and other temporary organisations, full information regarding the children requiring assistance. Some replies had been received already. When full ininformation had been secured the Minister of Finance would be asked to nlace at the disposal of the Minister of Education and the Minister of Public Health a sum sufficient to deal with the cases.

Mr. Russell added that he thanked members for the suggestion that the orphaned children should not be left to Hie "cold hand of charity" which, sometimes obtained in connection with charitable aid administration. Ho believed that much use could be made of the organisations that had been brought into existence during the epidemic. They would be able to gain information that could not be obtained through the ordinary channels. The Government would aim at making satisfactory arrangements for the maintenance and upbringing of these children, If arrangements could he made with people in the country districts to take charge of these children, the Government would be prepared to nay subsidies.

Education Department as Guardian. The Minister of Education (Hon. J. A. Hanan) has circularised the mayors of various cities and boroughs in order to ascertain' the number and the circumstances of children who have been left without guardians as a result of the epidemic. As soon as information is received, it is proposed that in all suitable cases the Education Department should be made the guardian of the children, but would deal with them quite apart from any of its present institutions by appointing a special, officer to make arrangements for the boarding-out of the children under the best home conditions. They would be frequently visited and orovided with free school-books, a clothing outfit, and medical attendance. Brothers and sisters would be hoarded together, and as the children gre.w older provision would he made for establishing them in life by finding them suitable employment, though they would still he under supervision until they became of age. In some cases a sole surviving parent might not be able to maintain a home for the children owing to the fact that he would be engatred all .day at work. In such cases the Department could, if the parent so desired, be made the temporary guardian of the children in the manner referred to above, though the parent could resume guardianship at anv time when he was in a position to caTe for them in a home of his own. Mr. Hanan snid on Saturday that the evidence in favour of the boarding-out system over the barmcV or institution system was so overwhelming that the matter of the re=nective merits of the two systems had almost ceased to be one for c'oritroversv, and in almost every couhtrv the hoarding-out system was being followed in connection with child welfare.