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Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1920, Page 2

'l'm; Dominion is being placed on guard in regard to the possibility of a serious epidemic. The authorities are moving on this occasion much in advance of their action at the time of the previous visitation. For that remissness they had to endure much blame and obloquy. Now they are going to the to the other extreme—and from their point of view, wisely so. As far ais can be gleaned there does not appear to bo any occasion for panic in regard to the position. No doubt the actual position regarding (lie health of the Dominion is being revealed accurately day by day. It does not appear that the present wave is of the fatal character as that of fifteen months ago, which carried so much disaster in its train. The great thing at this juncture is the matter of proper precautions, and it is better to err on the side of excess in this respect than that, any rcmissne«s should result in the epidemic securing an un- 1 fortunate footing in our midst. Too much need not be taken Tor granted, and the machinery to deal with any possible outbreak should be put in running order. There is a standing local Committee to deal with the position, and this body of ladies and gentlemen should be called together and acquainted of the official action taken or suggested in regard to any possible visitation. A system of pa-

trols could be instituted, so that from the first appearance of any infection, prompt action shouid be take 1 in the way of isolation and remedial treatment. The 'Committee should see also that where the public gather in any number ventilation and fumigation should be provided, and that generally the greatest cleanliness should be practiced. 'Every home should be on guard, and now the public should be given the fullest instruction how to deal with any cases of infection the moment they appear in the community.