WELLINGTON TOPICS

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1918, Page 3

WELLINGTON TOPICS

EPIDEMIC L\" CAMPS, fOur Parliamentary Reporter.) 1 Wellington, Nov. 15. The situation in the camps is reported, to bo improving, but the epidemic is still serious in extent and effects. This nioring there were 1534 men in hospital at Trentham and IGI7 men in hospital at ieatherston, in addition to 815 men in a convalescent camp. The number of deaths at 'Featherston since the beginning of the outbreak is reported to have been in the neighborhood of 70. The epidemic has affected camps and hospitals at Awapuni. Narrow Neck, Haurner, Kotorua, and Motuihi.

THE LIQUOR BILL, ' The Liquor Bill is to be considered by Cabinet on Monday next, and it may reach the House of Representatives later in the week. It is being suggested in the lobbies that the close of hostilities and tho consequent certainty that a general election will be held next year may cause Ministers to hesitate about a referendum apart from the election. It is considered almost certain, in any case, that the electors will be given a straightout vote on the issue of prohibition with compensation. The Bill is sure to be discussed to some extent in the House, but a prolonged debate is not expected. Members want to get a quick decision.

COST OP LIVING BILL. A Coat, of Living Bill, designed to check profiteering, is to be introduced during tile session. The Bill is Expected to attempt a deifinition of profiteering and to provide severe penalties for men convicted of making illegal profits. The law draughtsman may not find it easy to make a clause that will be really effective. England did something in the way of checking profiteering by giving arbitrary powers to a (Food Controller, but the measure of success achieved was not large. The difficulty, appreciated by Ministers, is to define a safe basis, since the conditions have changed greatly, and will continue to change. It does not seem practicable to undertake a close investigation of each (business in order to ascertain the true extent of profits. The Government will make an effort and, it will hava the anti-profiteer-ing legislation of other countries to sruide it. since in this matter New Zealand is miving very late in the day.

BUSINESS AFFECTED BY INFLUENZA. The influenza epidemic is having a very depressing effect on Wellington. Business is reported to be almost at a standstill in many directions owing to the depletions of staffs and the general disturbance of the life of the community. The number of deaths is unpleasantly large, and although the authorities, perhaps wisely, do not issue exact figures for publication, the citizens arc made aware by personal observation and know. l°d<?e that th" disease is levying a heavy toll. Like all other centres, Wellington i« sufferin™ from an acute shortage of doctors and nurses, and the amateur assistance that is available is often more willing than useful.