The Daily News. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1918. THE EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1918. THE EPIDEMIC.

There is reason to believe that the epidemic is now in hand in Taranaki, thanks to the splendid organising' work that has been done ia every town and district. The proportion of serious eases is fortunately small. This is principally due to the cases being taken ill hand in time. It is only where help has not been available at once that cases have developed pneumonia. But for the various committees' work the epidemic must have taken serious toll. It is, of course, bad enough as it is, but it would have been ten times worse had not the preventive measures been taken in good time. Too much praise cannot be given the ladies and gentlemen who have thrown themselves so thoroughly and downrightedly into the work of relief. It is in times of emergency and crisis that we arc enabled to see the sterling qualities in our fellows, and the present exhibition of unselfishness and sympathetic? co-operation will not be lost on the community. One important point that must be bome in mind just now is the necessity for keeping an even mind, and not giving way to panic. All authorities .admit that in the preservation of health the psychological factor —the influence of mind over matter—is the most important. If a man thinks he will be ill or is ill, so he will become. The mind is the shield of the body. See how the Maori is affected by the power of "makutu". If he thinks the evil one has cast his spell upon him he resigns himself to his fate at once and succumbs. The white man is little better when it comes to infectious diseases. But if he keep a sound body, breathe plenty of fresh air, maintain a courageous mental outlook, and take heed of the hygienic precautions laid down by the medical authorities, he will be able to face the epidemic danger with equanimity. There is every need for precaution, but none for panic. We must be self-reliant, too, in these days of shortage of medical men, and it is gratifying to know that this is being impressed upon sufferers by the bands of willing workers who are tending the sick. By this means doctors are being spared a great deal of unnecessary labor. The disease, taken in its incipient stage, is not dangerous, but a sufferer owes it to himself, his family and neighbors to take every precaution against infection. There is no excuse now for his not doing so, as simple and practical hygienic rules and recommendations have been widely advertised. But the main thing is for the public to keep a stiff upper lip, to keep a serene mind, to show courage and self-reliance, to do their duty by their less fortunate neighbors, and to help in whatever way they can to stamp out the epidemic. The various committees are setting a noble example in this connection, and we may confidently expect that the desired result will soon be attained.