INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1918, Page 5

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

THE MANUKA. ; THIRTY-THREE CASES ON BOAPJ) Received Nov. 14, 11.25 p.m. Sydney, Nov. 14. Tlie Manuka Las been quarantined. She lias 33 influenza cases aboard. SPREADING IN CANTERBURY. BUSINESS AND SOCIAL LIL-E AT A STANDSTILL.

Christchurch, Last Night. In consequence of the influenza epidemic practically the whole business and social life of the community is at a standstill. The epidemic is gradually increasing amongst shipping at Lyttelton. A second member of the crew on a big oversea steamer is dead. There were several more deaths at Christchurch Hospital to-day.

At a representative open-air meeting to-day the city and suburbs were mapped out iiito blocks, and arrangements made for assisting the sick. Medicine departments are also to be established. Clarence Melrose (40), gardener, at Kaiwarra Btation, Culverden, was found dead in bed. He had just returned from Christchurch, suffering severely from influenza.

IMPROVEMENT AT AUCKLAND.

MANY DEATHS STILL OCCURRING. Auckland, Last Night. The epidemic position generally continues to improve as'a result of the organised effort and concentration on the serious cases. There are many deaths, however, still occurring. It is believed that the climax has passed, but the combative forces realise that any relaxation would reverse the position. Many of the workers are now at the point of collapse. The watersiders decided to cease work at five o'clock each evening during the epidemic, the reason assigned being sickness in their families.

To-day's victims include Major McGilp, of the Main Body artillery; Lieut. Eric Coates, Main Body W.M.R.; Judge Wilson, of the Native Land Court; John Duder, chief officer of the Arahura, .and J. H. Clayton, chief officer of the Whangape.

DEATHS IN DUNEDIN. Dunedin, Last Night. Three deaths from influenza occurred in the hospital to-day. Dr. Champtaloup (professor of bacteriology and Government Bacteriologist) expresses the definite opinion that the present outbreak in New Zealand is a form of influenza bacillus. However, he is not sure that it is true influenza. Another group of micro-organisms, almost universally present throughout the world, were responsible for influenza, with like symptoms and supervening pneumonia.