INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1918, Page 2

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Although there were not any deaths reported yesterday in connection with the epidemic, some of the very critical eases in hand are giving the authorities the greatest anxiety. A good report is current to-day regarding the town, where it is believed the virulence of the complaint has run its course. The country districts are still subject to the epidemic, even localities hitherto immune now being visited. The authorities are most watchful, and everywhere a band of willing workers are assisting to direct operations. Messrs Davidson, Norman and Williams (of the Hospital Hoard) appear to he devoting the whole of their time to the work, and under the leadership of the first-named, who is acting-chairman, are doing splendid work. . ,

Dr Hogg .made an extended visit to Buatapu yesterday, where there are several cases. Mr G. Trippner hitherto lias been doing excellent- work in helping the residents to fight the epidemic. Mr W. Butler, of Butler Bros., Ltd., was instrumental in securing the doctor’s visit, and arranged also for Miss Wylie to go to Buatapu as nurse to assist with what were considered the more serious cases. Dr Hogg visited patients also at Mahinapua and Manama.

It came as a surprise to-day to learn that Dr Ilogg had left at an early hour this morning for Greymouth to catch the Beef ton train. Dr Hogg is to he

succeeded by another medical man. Officials and patients speak very highly of Dr Hogg’s services. He came as a rav of sunshine.’ and regret is being expressed that it was thought necessary lie should depart so soon. Tho members of the Hospital Board wore ratlnr chagrined when they learned that tho doctor had departed, as the posibility of developments in the country, to say nothing of the serious eases in hospital here, demand that a second medical officer should he available at call, to secure the community against the fell operations of the epidemic. Additional convalescent cases are being discharged from the hospitals today. For the second convalescent ward at tire Victoria School the Hospital Board has been fortunate in securing Mrs Lovett, of Kpkatahi, a trained nurse, to take charge, and the ward is being established to-day under the lady’s management.

Private word has been received of the death of Nurse Spring (formerly • f the Westland Hospital) who left here lately and took Up relieving duties at Hamilton. Miss Spring made many IVlends in this district who will hear of lor demise with extreme regrot.

AT CREYMOUTH. The Health authorities stated last evening that tho position in Groymouth was very much easier, and it is even probable now that tho convalescent home will not be needed. Five patients were sent to their homes yesterday, and more willjbe going out of the institutions to-day, thus easing the congestion considerably. One death (Mr J. Shrives) took place last night. Tho inmates at the Grey Hospital include: —Dangerously ill, Fred. Garth, Mrs Pearson (but slightly improved); very dangerously ill, Miss Mclntosh ; seriously ill, Mrs M. Keating, Tate, Donaldson, Mrs Downes (but improved).

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FIGHTING THE EPIDEMIC,

MELBOURNE, Nov. 26,

A conference of the Inter-State Health Authorities has been convened to form a complete organisation to <omhat influenza.

SYDNEY’S PRECAUTIONS,

SYDNEY, Nov. 26

Although the city health authorities are hopeful of keeping influenpa within the quarantine area, they are making ready the most elaborate preparations in the event of their hopes being dei’eated. Public inoculation depots are being opened in the city to-morrow. A million doses of vaccine have been manufactured from patients aboard infected vessels, and the.se doses are now in readiness In addition, the manufacture of a special Board of Health pattern of masks is being pushed on rapidly. Thousands will be ready in a few days. Private firms also are producing iliese masks largely. The public and local authorities aye being strongly urged to give the utmost assistance with the precautionary measures. There are loud complaints of the danger due to the nearness of the present quarantine station to the city, and insistent demands are made for its removal. SOLDIERS DEATHS. WELLINGTON, This Day. The deaths of 16 soldiers are reported. BARBERS SHOPS (OPENING. WELLINGTON, This Day. Barbers shops are to be reopened, subject to fumigation and disinfection. PICTURE SHOWS. WELLINGTON, This Day. Picture shows will be all opened on the same Saturday, but the Minister, wishes to wait until he is further ahead with the fight against the epidemic.