INFLUENZA IN AUSTRALIA.

Taihape Daily Times, 8 February 1919, Page 5

INFLUENZA IN AUSTRALIA.

THE- SCOURGE SPREADING. SYDNEY, February 7. The Government is preparing a morataoriuia scheme applying to persons by influenza restrictions. A preliminary vote of £IO,OOO wib be available immediately to relieve distress. Conflicting opinions as to the value of the mask against infection resulted in Dr. George Fox being committed for trial for refusing to wear a mask. He maintained that breathing vitiated air was causing serious consequences among patients, particularly those inclined to tuberculosis. He also contended the infection was just as possible through the eyes.

Dr. Patou considers that if the mask is properly cleaned the wearer does not breathe the air exhaled. The Government maintains a rigors ous attitude in its endeavour to prevent further infection from Victoria, where public opinion is being aroused against the apathy of the authorities. Deaths and cases continue to increase, yet the officials remain unruffled. Many of the advisorj' - hoard’s recommendations have not been adopted, and others are not rigorously enforced. The disease appears to be evenly spread over the whole of Victoria. The Federal order is only now prescribing the Isolation of all oversea ships, including those which previously called at infected ports of Australia. Country race meetings are now prohibited.

In New South Wales there is a great exodus fo the mountains and seaside resorts. % APPEAL FOR NEW ZEALAND NURSES. MELBOURNE, February 7. Ten deaths 2nd S 3 new cases were reported to-day. Owing to' the scarcity of nurses, the Health Department has telegraphed New Zealand for fifty nurses.