THE EPIDEMIC.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 108, 28 November 1918, Page 3

THE EPIDEMIC.

IVlatamata. MORE SERIOUS CASES. Last week it seemed that Matamata was to be spared from the ravages of the influenza epidemic in a serious form, but duriug the last few days a number of cases have assumed a more virulent aspect. On Wednesday P the district health officer, Mr Price, decided upon opening the technical school as a temporary hospital and two cases —those who were not getting the attention necessary for recovery — were moved in. The seriousness of one case in particular made it necessary for two men to remain on duty continuously. Dr. Walls visits the hospital every other - day, while others have devoted their whole time in nursing and . attending to requirements. Homes in town and country have bwen . supplied where required. With the exception of Mrs Darby senr. and Miss Malloy, all the lady nurses have contracted the disease, one of whom ,Miss Finlay has again taken up her mission of mercy. Three male nurses went down after service at the hospital in three days. Others are now required to continue the good work. The epidemic has no respect for persons, and those who are unaffected to-day may be down to-morrow. Do your bit while you can, for you may need help yourself soon. Don't start and then knock off for someone else to bear a double burden —they cannot stand it. The health officer is doing at least sixteen hours a day, and does his shift at the 'hospital. One lady nurse worked nighiand day this week. The glory is to the willing continuous worker — working for humanity, and, more directly, for neighbours, acquaintances and friends.

To convalescents it must be 31 again pointed out the danger of leaving their homes for at least four days after the temperature is normal. There is great danger of a relapse, and*a greater danger to the community. They still carry the the germs, which are transmitted. Stay home for your own sake, and for the sake of | your fellow creatures. The world will go on for a few days without you. During the week unfortunately two deaths have occurred, those of Mr E. Beeson and Mrs R.. *Bttipe. Both are stated to have ' been due to pneumonia. Others are in a precarious condition. U AtTe Aroha a conference has been held by the Health authorities and the business people ■Jk and it has been decided to close all business premises this week at 1 p.m. to enable those of normal health to attend to sick people. On Tuesday another patient was admitted to the hospital. One, whose case threatened to be serious is convalescent. A particular act of devotion to duty occurred last week. A married man, whose family is considered a large one these days, after attending to his sick wife, arrived at the hospital prepared to do his arranged shift. A patient at the hospital, with aches all over, offered to get out of bed to help a fellow sufferer. He was prevented, but he's going to * work against the disease when he recovers. By organisation and sufficient , number of-helpers some additions to the death-roll will be p're- * vented: Among those whom the influenza epidemic has claimed as a victim last week was Mrs \ Willie Bartlett, of Hamilton, / recently of Waharoa and Matamata. Mrs Bartlett leaves a "widower and large family. She was a) sister Mr Coombes, of the Peria road. An inhalation chamber has been installed for the employees of the Glaxo factory, and this has generously been allowed use of by Red Cross workers. A public apparatus has been ordered by the health officer. * Mr Jack Miles, of Turanga-o-moana, died at Mr J. Mateer's residence on Tuesday. Among those who are showing 'satisfactory signs of progress are Messrs F. Gibson, J. Cummings, W. Richards, G. G. Bell, andN. Blackburn. '■ ■ i .