THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 106, 14 November 1918, Page 3

THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Still Raging in Matamata. The influenza epidemic reached Matamata during the past week and now at least fifty residents have suffered, in one foim or 'other. The local medical man has been confined to his bed while the postmaster is still unable to resume his duties. Two business places were closed for several days. The whole of one large family is said to have contracted the infection, while in several residences various members of the families have had to take to bed. It would seem, however, that the disease is not of such a violent nature as is being experienced in the larger cities. Fortunately it took some time to reach Matamata, and the public was to a great extent prepared. Possibly the splendid weather now being experienced is helping those attacked. Fortunately there have been no deaths. Great concern was expressed by the members of the Town board on Monday night, the chairman suggesting that a relief committee should be formed. Their services might be required, and it was well to be prepared. Following upon the suggestion a meeting was held after the peace celebrations on Tuesday, to discuss opening a temporary hospital. The chairman of the board presided, and it appeared that many residents were willing to help. It was eventually decided to adjourn the meeting to the next evening (Wednesday). Dr. Carolan states that during the past eight days, although confined to his room with a severe attack of influenza, he had been attending on and prescribing for many patients at the surgery, and also on the telephone. Mrs Carolan has visited some distressing cases. Two of the hardest worked men have been Dr. Walls and Mr H. A. Kelso. Among those to suffer in Auckland whilst nursing a " Niagara " patient was Miss Dorothy Arnold, of Turanga-o-moana and the Auckland hospital. Miss Arnold has had two attacks but is now on a fair road to recovery. We are pleased to state that Mrs E. Beeson, who had been ill in Auckland has so far recovered as to be able to leave for her home. Among the patients who- are now convalescent are Messrs W. Darby, R. Burke, R. Hill and W. A. Turkington. A meeting of the Hall committee was held on Monday night to discuss action in connection with the picture nights — while the epidemic is raging. It was unanimously decided to suspend the programmes for last night, Saturday and Wednesday next. Meanwhile the hall will be disinfected. Persons requiring assistance or knowing of people requiring assistance are asked to communicate with the chairman of the Town board. EVioppinsville. There are no signs of the abatement of the epidemic in Morrinsville, and fresh cases are reported daily. The post office staff has been attacked, and yesterday the whole of the telephone staff were off duty. As a result the 'phone service had to be curtailed during the day and at night. This morning there were only two of the staff on duty. At the railway station five of the staff are absent. The entire shop staff of Watts and Brayshaw were laid up, and the office staff had to look after the counter. Another death occurred at the Maori pah at Kiwitahi this morning when a Native named Mike Aramete died of double pneumonia. He was brought to the pah from Matangi on Saturday, and had been ill for eight days. This is the second one brought from Matangi who has died. All our own Natives are* progressing quite satisfactorily, and none of them have had any alarming symptoms. The health officer, Mr Franklin, who was supposed to arrive here on Monday, was unable to come. We understand that Dr. Frengley is being communicated with in reference to closing the hotel and the picture theatre. The public school has been closed.