The Matamata Record THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1918 THE CALL.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 108, 28 November 1918, Page 2

The Matamata Record

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1918 THE CALL.

The Only Papeif published - in the Matanmta County Published every Thursday 6ffi.ee ' Tower Eoad - P.O. Box 38 ’Phone 82

■'• : LAST week it appeared that Matamata was to only suffer the influenza epidemic in a mild form; such was hoped, and all cases Were being dealt with. On Wednesday two cases assumed a serious aspect; and the health officer, Mr .' Price, immediately issued an urgent •■ appeal for help, in fitting up, and attention for, a 'temporary hospital. Some offers of help were" immediately forthcoming, but others have been delayed; There is still need of much help if the epidemic is to be- overcame with a minimum help required is of the .consistent kind. Spasmodic assistance; is of very little value for it dislocates : organisation. Of the original* band of. hospital workers three have been indisposed with the disease; others have, had to transfer their ) services} to; their own homes, while others are unable through various reasons to give their services when required. But there are people who do not yet realise that the need for help is an urgent one. It is very little more.than three weeks since the epidemic really reached Matamata, and yet it is estimated that it will take eight weeks, .to run itself out.' That means' 1 that ah organisation has to, be formed to fight for five weeks.: With the.assistance of the'doctor from Morrinsville it would seem that the care. bestowed by the hospital workers ' has resulted in the saving of one life if not two. There have been oases where voluntary nurses have worked in homes in the day time and sat up all night with a serioUs case. To-day the disease is being combated successfully through the great energies of people, the most of whom have been working for three weeks. They are becoming worn out, and, if the work is not eased off them the patients will suffer. Who is willing to ease, the work T Human life is valuable and requires saving. The opportunity to serve is here in Matamata ; now. As the soldier served in the battle zone, so'can the civilian serve .in Matamata. Unfortunately the disease has already caused deaths in the Matamata district but death nas been cheated in some instances. We feel sure that there are many in Matamata, who can and will lend a hand to cheat death of others. The call means perhaps a sacrifice, but it is a human one, and must be heeded. There should be no "slackers " at a time like this for each is wanted to do his or her bit.