INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1919, Page 2

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

MELBOURNE OPINION. MELBOURNE, January 24

Speaking at the Conference of the Commonwealth and State Ministers, Hon. Mr 'Watt, acting Premier, said that so far as his information went, the outbreak seemed to bo an epidemic, but not “the epidemic.” The Chairman of the Board of Health states that tests being made are not yet complete, but there was reason to hope that it was only a virulent form of local influenza, and not caused by a foreign germ. 59 CASES IN HOSPITAL. MELBOURNE. January 24. The authorities are taking all necessary precautions against influenza. I"noculation depots have been established. Several fresh eases occurred to-day. There are now 59 cases in the hospitals. It is officially thought that the disease is of a local type, but with increasing epidemic properties.

N.S.W. ACTS. SYDNEY, January 24. While awaiting Federal action regarding the influenza outbreak in Victoria the New South "Wales Government, have taken the precautionary step of placing medical patrols at the "Victorian border stations at Albany. The Minister of Public Health summed up the position by stating:—“There is no doubt that people in Victora are dyng of a deadly disease. I don’t care whether it is Spanish Influenza or what it is—as long ns it kills people we may take the utmost precautions. "Jr., view of this Mr Holman the Premier, has asked the Federal authorities to enforce the agreement between tile Commonwealth and the Stales (as already ea lik'd).