The Influenza Epidemic.

Taihape Daily Times, 23 November 1918, Page 4

The Influenza Epidemic.

nr AUCKLAND. GETTING- IT UNDER. STEADY DECREASE OF INLFUENZA. There is every indication that the influenza epidemic is being throttled slowly, but remorselessly, and the reversion of the city to its normal conditions proceeds now more rapidly. A cheerful tone is apparent in all the hospitals, for the general condition of the patients shows a manifest improvement, and serious cases are noticeably less numerous. The efficiency of the various organisations is very high, and the calls for help have diminished so much that all can easily bo attended. The sickness everywhere ■about the city and suburbs shows a general slackening in its power, and in the swiftness of its development.

The progress of the city towards normal is still slow, and is practically in its infancy. But it has commenced, although to say when things will be quite normal again would be a vain guess. A few admissions were made to the auxiliary hospitals yesterday, and a few more this morning, but the percentage of serious cases is small. AT WELLINGTON. IMPROVEMENT REPORTED. WELLINNGTON. this day. Fifteen deaths of soldiers are reported, also that of Mr D. Robertson, ironfounder. It is feared the epidemic will seriously affect the Maoris. Wellington Hospital reports a clear improvement. The Country Conference will not be held. ■ AT THE CAMPS. The improvement still continues at the camps and the falling off in the attendance at .the sick parades is very marked.

At Awapuni two men reported sick on - Thursday morning, but their condition did nut /warrant their being sent to • hospital.. The, .total remaining _in hospital is 17, and there are ,no.serious cases under treatment. The serious case which was being treated at the, Palmerston North Hospital succumbed to the disease. . j At Trentham four m,cn, attended the morning sick parade on Thursday, but the complaints were not bad enough to warrant their being admitted to hospital. The total number of patients under treatment in hospital -was 1493, ofwhich total 75 were , serious oases. Since the previous day’s report three men had died-from influenza. At Featherston there was an attendance of 36 at the sick parade and five were admitted to hospital. The number of patients in hospital was 550 of whom 84 were described as serious eases. During the twenty-four hours from noon on Wednesday nine deaths had taken place. AT TAUMARUNUI. From all parts of Taumarunui cheering reports concerning the influenza epidemic continue to come in, and there is quite a cheery note running through them all, but in order to obtain a clean bill of health at the possible moment the importance of keeping up the disease fighting efforts was emphasised. At Matiere a strong committee was formed to combat the disease, and their efforts have resulted in getting the upper hand. There were two deaths this week in the temporary hospital. Although a number of new cases are coming in daily, the disease is not nearly so virulent as it was. The epidemic in Ohura is getting a firm hold, but no doubt the organisation set up. by the Ohura Medical Association will soon have the desired effect. So far there are some 150 cases, which are having attention. AT HOKITIKA, .. HOKITIKA, this day. Three influenza deaths were reported yesterday, including Sergt.Major Thomas Atkins, who won the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Gallipoli, and since his return has been in charge of the Defence Office here, proving a most efficient officer, A wife and young child are left.

( at tafhafe. The position still continues to Improve in Taihape, fewer cases being reported, and the patients in the hospitals are making satisfactory progress. Two deaths are recorded, those of Miss Alice Darvill and Mr. Peter Ferguson. Though the latter was suffering from influenza, it is not established that this was the cause of his demise. The death of Miss 'Alice Darvill will come as a great shock to the many friends of the family. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. E.

Darvill, and was just on the threshold She took a,keen, interest in ' . chinjcb matters, was a teacher of the Methodist Sunday School and organist to the Church. Her quiet}\ unobtrusive nfenner had won her thcK love and esteem of all with whom she eamo in contact. She has devoted herself to the nursing of the sick during tt\e present epidemic, finally taking the disease herself. Her condition up till \ yesterday was not really serious, but V a change for the worse set in earlylast night, the end coming at 11 p.m. The sympathy of all will go out to the bereaved parents and family in their hour of affliction.