MERCER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 426, 15 November 1918, Page 4

MERCER.

IN THE THROES OF INFLUENZA. Mercer has been more seriously affected by the influenza than perhaps any other district in the province south of Auckland. Very few houses have escaped, the railway staff particularly being sufferers. The Mercer Town Board, realising the gravity of the position, requisitioned the.Public Hall, and have transformed the building into a temporary hospital. The nursing operations are being carried out by the Members of the Town Board, because practically every lady in the district is ill. Those who are yet well are rendering valuable aid in providing food for the sick. The Fokeno ladies, too, are doing admirable work for the Mercer residents, but unfortunately the epidemic is gripping the latter place now, and soon all possible assistance is likely to be required for Pokeno.

Already, a number of deaths have occurred of Mercer residents, among them being little May Crowhurst, daughter of Mr John Crowhurst, train examiner at Mercer. The little child, who way only 12 years of age, passed away on Friday last from complications following influenza. The death occurred on Tuesday of Mr Frederick Albert Clayton, the local postmaster. Deceased, who was previously postmaster at Murchisou, had only been at Mercer for a couple of months. He was 39 years of age, and leaves a widow und family of two young children to mourn their loss. The funeral took place at Mercer on Wednesday. Another fatal case has been that of Mr Joseph Hill. Deceased, who was the second son of Mr Thomas Hill, of Manurewa, was employed as an ongiio-driver on the N.Z. railways. After being attacked with the disease, he made a rapid recovery, and, with other members of thg household developing the complaint, he commenced nursing them, only to be laid low again, death ensuing on Monday last. He was only 34 years of age.

Owing to the outbreak of mlluenza at Mercer the Waikato Timber Company's mill has been closed down. Such members of the staff who are not indisposed, are rendering assistance to the sick.

The usual mouthly sitting of the Mercer Magistrate's Court, fixed for Tuesday last, was postponed, the Magistrate (Mr F. K. Hunt), owing to pressure of duties in Auckland, through his fellow Magistrates being indisposed, not being able to 1)0 present.