PAPAKURA.

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

PAPAKURA.

TfiE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. PAPAKURA'S ACTIVITY. The efforts in Papakura to cope with the influenza menace testify to the true spirit of comradeship that is existent amongst the residents, the whole of the assistance forthcoming being of an honorary character. The Vicar (Rev. W. C. Wood) is at the head of the organisation, of which the devoted workers are numerous, the work eitending into the adjoining bpiinhx districts,; and patients from far afield are being brought into the temporary hospitals in Papakura for treatment. Papakura is one of the worst affected districts within the suburban area, and it has been found necessary to establish no less than three temporary hospitals, No. 1 hospital being in the Parish Hall, No. 2 in the Methodist Hall, and No. 3 in Mrs Watson's boarding house, The Masonic Hall has also been temporarily converted into a nurses' home. A staff of 25, all local ladies, are voluntarily undertaking the nursing duties, with Nurse Glasson (Karaka) in charge. The fact that the three hospitals have been thus so well equipped, without any thought of remuneration by the workers, is in itself evidence of true Christian co-operation. Last night the patients under treatment totalled 47, viz.—2o in No. 1 hospital, 14 in No. 2, and 13 in No. 3. Some overcrowding had taken place in No. 1 hospital, which is restricted to members of the male sex, but the difficulty has now been overcome by a gradual reduction of the cases. The epidemic in Papakura has revealed the fact that men are both more numerously and more seriously affected than women and children. Up to last night the Health Department had found it impossible to spare any trained nurses from Auckland, but, with the situation easing in the city, it is hoped that at least one certificated nurse will be able to be despatched to Papakura to-day. There have been three deaths at the temporary hospitals, viz.—Mr Chas. H. Stewart (a railway engine-driver), Eric Appleby (a young Drury boy), and Mrs C. J. Brown (a Papakura resident) These are in addition to to the two deaths previously recorded at the Auckland Hospital, viz.—of Mr Jas. Craig and Mrs Johnston Dr Frengley, the acting Chief Health Officer in lAuckland, visited Papakura yesteiday, and expressed his admiration of the local arrangements and of the thoroughness with which everything is being carried out. Dr, Frengley also gave instructions that the public school should be requisitioned and fitted up as a hospital instead of any further cases being admitted to the Parish Hall. The office from which the local committee is working is situated in the Broadway, the telephone connection being No 1.