THE EPIDEMIC.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 109, 5 December 1918, Page 2

THE EPIDEMIC.

Matamata. The information has been received that Miss Crawshaw, who is well-known throughout the district, died at Christchurch hospital on Saturday, a victim of influenza. Miss Crawshaw was for several years a member of the teaching staff here and was generally respected and popular. She was 26 years of age. Some large families have been attacked and one case is reported where, eleven members of one family fell victims to influenzapneumonia. All are recovering. "Because it was some time before Matamata was attacked by the epidemic, and then only in a light form, we made the mistake of thinking we had escaped," remarked a prominent resident to the writer. The opinion appears to aptly describe the situation. To-day it cannot be said that the influenza is showing perceptible signs of abatement; on the other hand it would be totally false to say that it is increasing. What can be said is that Matamata fighters are holding their own in the vigorous battle. Mr J. Price, the chairman of the Town board, is smilingly and undauntedly continuing his mission. Long hours and hard work do not appear to trouble him, rather does it seem that he thrives on them. Just how much Matamata owes to him and his« co-workers cannot be fully realised to-day; when everything is perfectly normal again the inhabitants may begin to fully appreciate their debt of gratitude. On this subject more anon. Among the duties of the chairman of the Town board has been investigation of the sanitary conditions of the town. He has had a few shocks, and the next meeting of the Town board should be interesting. Out of evil, cometh good, and the influenza has brought about the abolition of several insanitary death traps, which all unbeknown have existed. It is asked if there is a Health Department and inspectors why do these exist ? No answer is at present forthcoming. But the great point is not the past but the future. Matamata should take care that they should not exist in the future. And if Mr Price's energy Counts for anything they won't. Up to the present there have been 147 cases in Matamata and district. It is computed that at present there are 45 cases seriously ill or in the first stages of convalescence. ' There are two patients in the hospital, and both are doing well. At Okauia and Te Poi there are no signs of any outbreak of the epidemic among the Maoris. At Tirau there have been a couple of cases. At Ngatira near Putaruru a considerable number of cases among the Maoris are reported. Business is practically at a standstill. There is no sale this week and the embargo has not been lifted from the picture theatre. The monthly meeting of the Town board to 4 have been held on Monday was postponed. Morrinsville. On Wednesday night Mrs Chillingworth died at, the hospital from pneumonia. Mrs Farland died in the Morrinsville hospital on Saturday. Mr D; Hickey, of Morrinsville, received the sad news,yesterday that his only brother, Mr J. Hickey, died in Hawke's Bay on Sunday from influenza. All the patients at the Morrinsville hospital are progressing satisfactorily, and this week should see the number of inmates considerably reduced On Saturday four more patients were admitted. Sunday and Monday presented "clean sheets." At present there are 27 patients in the hospital. Mr Foster Irwin, who is an inmate of the hospital, kindly lent his gramaphone, and cheerful tunes not only are enjoyed by the patients but indicate that all are progressing. On Sunday the Rev. S. B. Maiden played several selections on the church organ. Walton. The epidemic has not passed Walton by, and it has attacked the Maoris as well as the pakehas. As a result of reports Mrs Seville and Mr Milsom went through to Walton last night to enquire into matters. Two Maoris were visited one being found to be suffering from pneumonia. It was stated that there were 30Europeansillin the district. The necessity of organisation was pointed out and it was arranged that to-day a house to . house visit to the Maoris will be made. If deemed necessary a temporary hospital

will be opened, probably in the hall. Walton is fortunate in having the assistance and help of Mrs Martin, who is a trained nurse. On Friday Messrs W. McLean and H. Insull paid a visit of inspection to the Maori pa between Walton and Waharoa, and found everything alright. Fr6m what they could gather the Maoris had had " the flu" some six weeks ago. Anyway there are none ill now.