IN THE AIR.

Taihape Daily Times, 31 January 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

BRITISH AIR FORCES. Received 11.5 a.m. LONDON. January 29. The Press Bureau states Mr. Churchill announces the air force on December 11 numbered 30,000 officers and 265,000 men, of which 1742 officers alia 51,727 men have been demobilised. It is intended to retain for the current year 6500 officers and 75,000 men, pending the announcement of the strength and terms of service in the post-war air force Weekly bonuses costing three millions annually will be granted.

INFLUENZA. POSITION IN SYDNEY. .SYDNEY, January 30. The seamen, have refused to man the Bombala unless they are granted similar concessions to those made by die Union Company. There are six new influenza cases in the city. The Minister of Health states that the position is very reassuring. The Government /is establishing \a {relief scheme for people placed in necessitous circumstances as a result of the outbreak. MELBOURNE IN ITS GRIP. MELBOURNE, January 30. There are eighty-four new influenza cases in the city, making a total of 442. Two more deaths are reported, bringing the total to thirty-five. Three deaths from influenza occurred to-day. The incoming cases are proving more serious.

POSITION IN FIJI. EPIDEMIC NOW OVER. MEDICAL STAFFS RETURNING. WELLINGTON, aJnuary 30. Tin.' Governor-General has -received from the Governor of Fiji a cable message, dated January 27, stating that no fresh cases of influenza have occurred at Suva since December 28, or at Levuka since December 26. The country districts are rapidly clearing of the epidemic, which is regarded as over. The medical relief parties from Australia and New Zealand arc leaving this week.