Correspondence

Levin Daily Chronicle, 24 July 1917, Page 3

Correspondence

!Ou r correspondents' opinions are their own; the responsibility of editorial ones makes sufficient oallast for the editor's ahouldera.j A RIETrURNED SOLDHER'S COMPLAINT. (To the Editor). Sir, —1 came to this district as a returned soldier in a bad state of health, meaning to temporarily do light- farm work, in view of getting back some robustness to fix me for business life in the city once more. 1 have been here close on tlnree months, and would like, on. this the eve of jnv departure, to show the poop' j <1 this district the patriotic spirit of some of its leading residents. Although my work has -been light and not of a consistent nature,- yet 1 have been as one who serve-s and [ have never refused to do any job put before me. I leave the district without any remuneration whatever, for my servicr from my late employer. You will agree with me, Mr. Editor, that

even if my meagre services were not, from a farmer's point of view, worth much, yet surely it would have been gracious to receive something in return from a true patriotic standpoint. This would have been perhaps a sacrif ice, but it would have shown something akin to that spirit I .believe the bulk of the farming community hold towards those- who are spending themselves and have spent themselves on behalf a l ' our Empire. Thanking you for granting me space in your excellent country paper,—Yours faithfully, iH. S. Queen Street. Levin. July 20, 1917. \ PROTECTION OF OHIJLDRiEiN. (To the Editor.) Sir, —I feel it my duty to bring before parents and guardians the necessity of taking every precaution to prevent the possibility of an outbreak of diphtheria in this district. This disease, '(it present an (epidemic in. New Zealand, is essential}- a disease of children, and the Health Department lias circularised the var'itous school authorities summarizing the facts of importance in regard thereto. The circular deals, inter nlia, with (1) incubation period: 2 to 7 days, usually two symptoms. The initial symptoms are slight chilliness, a slight rise in temperature,, aching pains in the hack and limbs, together with pain in the throat. On examinaion the patient will usually be found to be pale, with coated tongue and foul breath, tho throat red and congested, the tonsils swollen and presenting dirty white patches. (2) Mode of transmission: the diphtheritic contagion is given off from the body in the secretiions of the mouth, nose and throat. The disease may be transmitted from one child to another: (a) directly: by means of moist infected particles thrown out in coughing, sneezing, crying, or even talking; (b) indirectfly, through .infected articles. The habit children have of putting everything into their mouths affords endless opportunities of transmission of disease. Precautions': (a) A rigid scrutiny of all cases of sore throats. (2) Advise to children to gargle their throats several times a day. using mild antiseptics such as (a) potassium permanganate or Condy's fluid in water till a faiint pink colour ; (b) liydi'O-

!_-cn peroxido, 1 part to 5 parts water, ■(c) borax, i teaspoonfiil to a cup of water; (4) children should have their own separate stocik of pens, pencils, rulers, brushes, otc. In conclusion, it is pointed out that school closure is a step calling for very grave consideration, as children still mix out of schools. It therefore 'behoves the parents and guardians of children to fl-n every means to help the headmaster and staff in their efforts to prevent an epidemic in Levin. Thanking you for your valuable space. I am, etc. W. THOMSON, Chairman, Levin School Committee.