TUAKAU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 427, 19 November 1918, Page 3

TUAKAU.

IN THE GBIPS OP INFLUENZA. FIVE DEATHS YESTEBDAY. After a short period of quiescence, which it was hoped indicated that the influenza epidemic was abating, the disease has again assumed a very Virttleht form at Tuakati and five deaths took place yesterday. The earlier deaths had been those of Mrs W. J, Deeble and Mr j, H. Craig (previously recorded], whilst Mr James Bull, one of the Town Board's quarrymen, succumbed last Wednesday, and Mr James McNeil, a member of the local maintenance staff of the N Z. Bail ways, died last Tuesday. The deaths yesterday were those of Messrs H. T. Acton (fruiterer), J. Govan (roadman in the Town Board's employ), a Hindoo named Jamall Khan (who was the proprietor of a fish-meal restaurant), Hazeldene and McCauley (flaxmill hands). The three first-named died at their residences, and the two latter at one or the other the temporary hospitals. Both the Public Hall and the Wesleyan Church have been fitted up as hospitals, and this morning 30 patients were accommodated therein. These included several cases brought in yesterday, whilst develoements this morning will be responsible for an addition to the numbers to-day-Two volunteer nurses have been supplied by the Health Department from Auckland, and local ladies are also assisting in that way. Most heroic work is also being performed at the hospitals by Mrs G. D. Hunter and the Bev. L. Foulkes Medical attention at the hospitals is now being paid by Dr Cheese mat), who has just himself recovered from an attack of the epidemic, Dr. Wake (Pukekohe) having deputised for him during his illness The workers, headed by Mr W. Mcßae Peacock, are rendering invaluable aid in visiting houses all over the district, but their numb »rs are none too numerous and further aid would be gladly welcomed. Unfortunately, some instances have occurred in which, through fear of contracting the disease, help, when applied for, has been refused. Such unchristianiike acts are distinctly difcreditable to the persons con eerned Mr W. J. Deeble, Chairman of the Town Board, is now convalescent and will shortly be about again ; but his daughter, Miss Dixie Deeble, is still in a critical condition. Mr W. G. Graham, who has been one of the loyal band of workers, haß fallen a victim to the disease; whilst Mr Dynes Fulton, who, as usual, has been working untiringly, has been called away owing to the deaths of a brother and sister.