THE EPIDEMIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1993, 21 June 1919, Page 3

THE EPIDEMIC.

REPORT OE COMMISSION.

The report of the Royal Commission on the Influenza Epidemic has been issued. The members of the Commission were Sir John' Dennislon (Chairman), the Hon. E. Mitchelsou, and Mr D. M’Laren. With regard to the introduction of the epidemic, the Commission makes no definite finding, but states that the evidence “raises a very strong presumption that a substantial factor in the introduction of the epidemic was the arrival in Auckland on 12th October of the s.s. Niagara, with patients infected with the epidemic disease.” RECOMMENDATIONS. The recommendations of the Commission are as follow; — (1) That various amendments be made to the Public Health Law, as indicated in report. (2) That the Public Health Law be remodelled, consolidated, and .simplified. (3) That clauses be added to the Public Health Act making provision for the regulation of prices of equipment, goods, and services required in combating an epidemic. (4) That a Business Directory he established in connection with the Health Department, under (he charge of an expert business administrative officer, to be named the Director of Public Health.

(5) That a Chief Sanitary Inspector for the Dominion be appointed.

(G) That the powers, duties, and relations of all Public Health officers, medical, sanitary, and administrative, bo fully and clearly defined, and same published for general information.

(7) That an educational section be attached to the Business Directory for the dissemination of knowledge and information to the public relative to matters of public health. (S) That greater attention lie given in the primary and secondary schools to domestic science, hygiene, first aid, and home nursing as subjects for girls; in the secondary schools these subjects to be made compulsory. (9) That the health of school children be given increased attention through the establishment of school clinics under the charge of qualified medical officers.

(10) That, wo strongly recommend for the favourable consideration of the Government the subsidising of organisations teaching fir'd aid ami home nursing, and especially the St. John Ambulance Brigade and Association, to enable it to extend its most useful work.

(11) That existing health districts be divided into sub-districts, and assistant health officers placed in charge under the District Health Officer.

(12) That the cities and large towns with contiguous boroughs and (own districts form the local Health Departments under the supervision of Ihe Public Health Department.

(13) That health matters in other boroughs and town districts than those referred to in clause 12 he administered by the Government Health Department. (14) That special advisory committees lie appointed to report, Prom time to time, on the health conditions of the ports and shipping of (lie Dominion.

(15) That constant inspection be made of the ships, wharves, and adjuncts of the waterfronts under direction of a medical officer of health.

(Hi) That combined action he taken hy the General Government and local authorities to institute find carry into effect schemes for the provision of adequate housing accommodation and (he renovation of localities at present cncnnihoml with buildings unsuitable for habitation.

(17) Thai 11m Government take part with other Governments in establishing an international bureau for the collection and dissemination of information hearing on the prevention and limitation of disease.

(18) That an annual conference of representatives from all health authorities, hoards, and committees be instituted as a means of public guidance.