INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1918, Page 3

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

PEP ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.;

GREY REPORT. GREYMOUTH. This Day

The influenza epidemic continues. There were live deaths since Triday. All cases at the Technical School were removed to the main hospital. 1 here are l-l inmates at St. Columbia Club, all doing well. With the exception of a few cases on Otira line and a mild case, on the Reefton line, there are no fresh reports cf pneumonia. The weather is still unsettled and very wintry.

MAYOR GUNSOX’S COMMENT

AUCKLAND, This Day. Mr Guuson commenting on the lancli,lg of the New Zealand passengers snTd. —l think the whole business is reprehensible in the extreme, h rom the outset we have been actuated by only one desire—to secure adequate protection in the interests of the health ot our citizens. In my official capacity, with the backing of the citizens, l have done all possible and the action of, Government to-day iti releasing the passengers and luggage from a disease infect, ed ship within 3(1 hours of their leaving the ship, must now be left, with the citizens of this dominion to deal with. It is a thing unheard of in any part of the world, where quarantine regulations are in force and offers a striking contrast to the action of the Australian authorities. As for the Makura “ailing for Sydney, this in the circumstances was the proper course to allow. T am sure our citizens will he glad she has gone.

1 THE MAKURA’S PASSENGERS.

AUCKLAND, This Day

• Unexpected developments took place yesterday in connection- with tho quarantining of the Makura. Practically tho fvhole of the New Zealand passengers were brought to Auckland and allowed to go to homos or hotels. Passengers for the,'South of Auckland joined the Main Trunk train at Penrose Junction in tho evening. Among those who . remained on the Island were Professor F. D. Brown and two daughters. Professor Brown decided to remain at Mo- , tuihi pending arrangements as to hie future. The Makura was allowed to leave for Sydney n.t 1.25. n.m. No cargo was unloaded.

Dr Valentine, prior to his departure for Wellington last, evening, said ten passengers, some of whom weic contacts and others had been detained at Motuihi. He was convinced that the other New Zealand passengers released had not com© into contact with any sickness on board, since quarantine was first established on the Maiefura o(n December 1. He therefore felt justified in releasing the passengers.

IMPROVING

CHRISTCHURCH. This Day

The ffcsition in regard to influenza is rapidly improving. The hospital returns show four admissions from Friday at midnight till noon to-day, and no deaths. Tire Sunday tram service was run yesterday for tho first time several weeks. • ' ...»

ON THE EPIDEMIC. WELLINGTON, This Day

Speaking at a meeting of Wellington North workers on the influenza epidemic, Hon. G. W. Russell thanked those who worked so hard and displayed endurance equal to anything seen on the battlefield. The Health Department was not perfect, but the experience gained would enable it to provide body of trained fighters to combat any future epidemic. Mr Russell said the depatrmcntal officers had told him that tho disease came in wavos, first a b’g one ,and then smaller ones, lessening each time. He believed New Zealand had now finished with tho big wave, thanks to the noble work of the men and women, especially the women, who nursed the sick and helpless back to health. The light had cost a lot- of money, but Parliament would probably vote £IOO,OOO towards its expenses and if any further, money was required, he was going to ask for authority to draw ou an unauthorised expenditure account. Provision would bo made for the little ones who lmd lost their parents, and they would be given every chance to become good citizens.

LANDING N.Z. PASSENGERS

AUCKLAND, This Day

The movement of Auckland passengers was not made very clear to those on the island on Saturday night, but it was suggested that they also were to be taken from the island to St Heliers Pay, and thence conveyed in motor cars to their homes and hotels. It is asserted that Dr. Valentine suggested this mode of procedure because lie believed the people of Auckland would be inclined to resent tbb landing of the Make ra's passbngurs iu-their midst., although he -was satisfied in his own mind that there was no danger of the risk of infection. Dr. Valentine’s suggestion regarding landing at- St. Helier’s Bay did not- meet with the unanimous approval of the New Zealand passengers. Six of them objected to anything which might bo regarded as a surreptitious entry . into Auckland. Three passengers asked Dr. Valentine for an assurance that they were to be taken openly to one of the city wharves. This assurance was at once given. The steamer, Lady Roberts, was brought to the -Motuihi wharf* and passengers carrying their small luggage embarked. The utmost confusion prevailed iu connection with the removal of heavy luggoge from the island to the vessel. Mr Gunson, after consulting the various local authorities, wired to Wellington an emphatic .protest- against the New Zealand passengers being landed.

;at waimate. ! WAIMATE, This Day. t Two deaths from influenza yesterday, but no fresh admissions. Seven admissions at Morven: The Y.A.D.s are down at hospital. 'The superintendent says there are still many mild eases in the country districts. Retailors met to-day and resolved on resuming ordinary shop hours; also asking the Health Officers to lift the hotel and tearooms restrictions.