THE EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1918, Page 5

THE EPIDEMIC.

, <

IN NEW PIjYMOUTJT.

THE POSITION IMPROVING.

The position in New Plymouth continues to show an improvement- There were 31 new cases reported yesterday, compared with 80 on the previous day, the number being the smallest since the commencement of the organisation. Of tlie cases reported yesterday only three were serious.

On Monday, in accordance with instructions from tlie executive, the block captains arranged to have every house in the town visited, and to report on the totnl cases that had occurred m each house, and alio the number that had not completely recovered. As the result of this census, a numbed of cases were discovered that had not previously been reported. The total number of cases under that heading was 109, in 52 new houses. Eighty-seven of these cases were at the same time reported as recovered,

The total as made up on Monday night showed that there had been 1078 cases, or, with the 109 discovered, a total of 2087. The recoveries were 800, plus S7 as above, making a total of 887, and leaving 1200 still not completely recovered,

Yesterday there were 34 new cases, 15 nc-w houses were affected, three of them being classed as serious. There were 78 recoveries, leaving a total of 1150 not yet completely recovered.

Following is the table: November.

•On tlie 13th, 300 eases were reported; on tho 10th, 412; O'l the 17th, 19T ; on the 18th, 207, on the 208, on tho 20th, 199.

Included in the Ivst are those of the casns discovered in fit'Xiday's census, viz., 109 total cases, 52 new homes and 87 recoveries.

Motor-cars on Monday did 1217 miles.

Yesterday 272 bottles of medicine were sent out, as compared with 457 bottles on Monday.

AT THE HOSPITAL,

DECREASE IN ADMISSIONS AND NO DEATHS.

Yesterday was the best day the Hospital has experienced since the outbreak of tho epidemic, there being only 11 new cases up to midnight and no deaths. Another satisfactory feature was that there were 13 evacuations to the eonvaleseent homes. Of the admissions seven were from New Plymouth, two from Kaimata, and one each from Kaimiro and Albert Road.

There are now 144 patients in the Hospital and 27 at KawaToa. At the Native hostelry there are 16 patients, one of whom was admitted yesterday, and there were five deaths.

THE COUNTRY ORGANISATION.

The committee yesterday got busy on its country organisation, with the result that the whole district has now been covered, with the exception of the Kaimiro and Albert Road districts, and tlio district from Tongaporutu to Awakino and they will be inspected to-day

ALONG THE COAST

Mr. James MeLeod reported last night as follows:

Pungarehu.—Messrs Barry and Rockel, M.A.'s, went out yesterday morning. Six new beds, towels, and general supplies were despatched from Xew Plymouth Mrs. Joseph and Mrs Knight, V.AD.'s, were also sent out to assist Mrs. Jones and Miss Campbell. I want out in the afternoon, and found a transformation had been effected by Mi'. Sutton, Mr. Barry, and other willing workers. Twelvo good beds had been installed, and the hospital laid out according to Dr Wade's plan. The whole place had a cheerful and comfortable angcarance, and the conditions were about as good as could he expected i» thi& building. Somq local ladies were assisting in the kit* chen. The ladicn of the staff are all comfortably accommodated. There were eight patients (and one child well) in the hospital, and four moro were to be admitted during the evening, filling all the available accommodation. Two of these cases were ordered to the hospital by Dr. Wade nn Monday, and two wero ciges recommended by Mr. Rockel foi admission from the Cape Road. I met Mr. M. Fleming at the hospital, and arranged with him to act as chairman for the district. He is making arrangement's for the immediate patrolling of the district, and our M.A. will reach the hospital at 11 a.m. and visit all houses reported to contain sick. Ho will report on all cases to 'Dr. Wade, who will attend at the hospital during the afternoon. If suitable arrangements regarding accommodation can be made by Mr. Fleming, Mr. Rockel will take up his quarters at Pungarehu, so as to be on hand at night and assist the nurses in cases of emergency. Mr. Fleming will exercise a general supervision over the arrangements for help in the rougher work. The only matter unattended to when I left at six o'clock was the disposal of four children of two families, all quite young, whose parents were all in hospital. Mr. Fleming and a young lady had this in hand, and no doubt suitable temporary arrangements weTO completed We brought another baby into the creche. A couple of yards of oilcloth is wanted for the rough kitchen table in the hall.

Warea.—Hospital here with Mrs. Binnie in charge, and Mrs. Wells assisting, was opened to day, the first patient 'beins' a young lady from Pungarehu. Another man from the same district was to be admitted later. This is a very suitable and convenient building., and accommodation if necessary can he found for about 12 to 14 cases. Some Tiibhrr sheeting and pickle bottles tire wanted Tf a couple of good V.A.D.'s can be provided from this district, it will be a good arrangement to send them to 'Pungarehu and Telease Mrs. Joseph and Mrs. Knight for work here, their home district. Mr. Pain and Lieutenant Hawkins, M.A 's, from New Plymouth, covered the whole district yesterday and report it very free from the trouble.

Okato.—The hospital is running-vow smoothly. There are at present 13 ■patients. all doing well. The ladies of the

sliort shrifts nursing, and doing the cooking. Tha committee, under Mr. Fox, is energetically patrolling the district, which Mr. A, 11. Johnstone, M.A., from New Plymouth, covered thoroughly today. Nurse Hasell is in charge here. Puniho Pah 'Maori Clearing-house.— There are .13 patients here, all fairly comfortable and cheerful, under a Native female nurse, assisted by intelligent men from the pah. These men are evincing the liveliest interest in the measures to combat the epidemic, unusual appreciation of the value of fresh air and light diet for their charges. Major Keenan rang up this morning asking if we could relieve liim or the supervision of the Maoris north of the Parihaka Road, which was at ones agreed to. So the Maoris in this pall are now under our supervision, and Dr. Wade will work this clearing-house in conjunction with the hostelry.

AT URENUI AND URUTI.

Mr- R. W. D. Robertson, who went out as inspector to these districts, reported that at Bell Clock Hall the beds were ready for Maori patients. At Urenui lie met Mr. Pigott, chairman of tha committee, comprising the Rev. Barnett, Mr, Pope, and Nurse Cattley (certificated). This committee received daily reports from Waitoitoi, Mimi, and as far as Onaero factory, Every farm was visited daily, and Mr, Pigott appeared to have a grip of the situation There were no serious cases, and round tha township all were convalescent. No girl* were available to train as V.A.D.'s. Nuree Cattley visited daily all cases requiring special care.

At Okoke there wan a committee of four, and so far only three houses were affected- Some eases had been removed to the New Plymouth Hospital. An inhalation chamber was etablished; the store would be a suitable place.

At Uruti he understood there were over 20 cases. A committee had been formed, of which Mr. Musker was chairman, and was visiting all houses daily Messrs W. Spence and Vale, returned soldiers, were doing splendid work in organising. All serious cases were taken to the cottake hospital, and convalescents were moved to Mr. Barnett's house. No doctor was available, but the ladies had organised and apparently were meeting all demands for usual comforts. The committee control up to Mount Messenger, ant!' cases were reported over the other side of Mount Messenger.

AT WAITARA,

At Waitara . Mr. Robertson reported that he had met a special meeting of 13 leading citizens called to decide on some concrete form of organisation, as the result of a visit of one of their representatives to New Plymouth. The general report seems to be that north of Waitara, for about six miles, the epidemic is very bad, especially among the Maoris. The population of Waitara is about 1400. The block system and M.A. work had been well carried out up to the filing of the cards. They originally had four M.A.'s, but two wore taken for other work. Only two thermometers were available. Enough medicine appeared to be available only for the hospital and very little for the public. Fourteen people had put down their names to supply cars, but only two or three had turned up, and very great difficulty had "been experienced in getting locomotion, especially at night. The hospital showed what patient and exemplary effort could do under most adverse conditions. There were barely enough women to cover the nursing work at the hospital, and the tension was almost at breaking point. If the number of cases increased much further, lie felt they must have a smash unless some further trained help was given, both medical and nursing. He appealed for four or six girls to lie sent into New Plymouth for 24 hours' V A.I). training, and was met with the firm assurance that it was impossible to secure even one, as every house bad sickness, and 'all the women were either nursing their own or neighbors' sick. He offered to send an organiser to assist, and the offer was gratefully accepted- A comimttee was set up of all those present, with the Mayor as chairman. A ladies' committee was also appointed. The district covered from Waitara Road to the sea, and as far as Onaera.

It wjh decided to supply Waitara with medicines from New Plymouth, and probably arrangements will be made for a doctor to visit daily.

INGLEWOOD.

At Inglewood there were no new cases yesterday, and no cases were sent in to the hospital. In the Kaimata district a family of nine are down, and two of the children were brought into the Hospital last night. The mother and two other children will come in to-day.

ABATING AT WELLINGTON.

PREVALENT AT THE OHATHAMS.

Wellington, Last Night. Colonel Yalintifte, Chief Health Officer, states that the position in Wellington is very much better. There are unmistakable signs that the epidemic is abating. A quantity of vaccine waa on the way from Sydney and would be given a trial.

On waterfront matters are rapidly 'becoming normal, and work on the majority of the steamers is proceeding smoothly. The Monowai, which has been lying idle for some days, sailed for Lvttelton at 4 p m., carrying discharged soldiers.

A wireless report from the Chathams states that influenza is prevalent there, a number of deaths having occurred- The Health Department has the matter in hand, and every step will be ta&en to relieve the islanders.

REPORTS GOOD AT AUCKMND.

Auckland, Last Night.

The tenor of all the reports from the city aud subur.bs are consistently good. Dr. Frengley stated that the most pressing need now was medicaJ and nursing aid for the outlying Maori districts. Three additional suburban trains resume to-morrow.

In reply to complaints, regarding the price of fish, the Premier announces that the Board of -Trade will jpake inquiries, The steamer -Madura, which is due from Vanaoßver onSnnday, is-reported to Ife-a clean Aip'.Bo-far ail laJtaefpt wmmk/i \' ~ " i

IMPROVEMENT IX HAWERA.

It is satisfactory (reports the Star) to learn that tlia reports from the different organisations and the hosmtala indicate a continual improvement in the' general situation.

There were fifteen ndmissions to the isolation hospital on Monday,and of this number three are regarded as serious cases. Thirteen patients were transferred to the St. Mary's convalescent hospital. Hilda, the ten-year-old daughter of Mr. T. Booth, farmer, Turuturu. Road, died in the temporary isolation hospital on Monday, shortly alter admission. This was only the second 'death recorded on that day, the other patient being Francis Moloney. There were no deaths among the Maoris.on Monday, this being the first "clear report" since the commencement nf the epidemic. Approximately 40 Maoris have succumbed to the visitation m this district.—Star.

THE POSITION AT MANAIA.

Hospital Report.—There have been 29 patients received into hospital since it was established (including three yesterday). Si:: have been sent out convalescent, sis have died, and 17 remain, two cases being very serious.

Included ia the list of deaths is, Mrs. Michael Horgari, of Otakeho, who leaves a husband (a patient in hospital) and six children, from two to ten years old. Following is a list of deaths, in addition to tlioke already published:—Materoa Ngawhare (Mrs. John Pini),~!ooiti Pihama, Te Noglii Xganeko, Annie Huia Xganeko, flineao 'Kganeko (Mrs. Weston), Ngahina Eangi, Tamatau Rangl, Mawai Eangi, Tuhi Morehu, Ruka Kingi, and Te Noti Whakaneke. There are a considerable number of Maori cases requiring skilled treatment, which it seems to foe impossible to procure.

There have been several deaths at Manaia (the Witness reports), including the following!— James Allen, ti returned soldier, whose mother (Mrs. diaries Dawes) resides at Kohit ICohu, on the Hokianga, is also dead. The deceased soldier, since returning. has, been engaged at farm work with Mr. Robertson, on Mr. J J. Patterson's farm on Normality Road

Mr. John Hayter died of pneumonia. Mr. Hayter had followed the trade of a bricklayer in Manaia for some years, and was 38 years of age A wife ai\d two sons are left to mourn their loss-

The death of a young man immfcl Gorman Wylie, of Auroa, aged 17, took place at the hospital yesterday .from pneumonia.

CASES AT KAPONGA.

To date 24 patients have been admitted to the temporary hospital, of_ whom there remain 17 male and five female patients still under treatment, two of the male patients having died on Saturday morning, namely, Mr. H- V. Sharp, Kapuni, aged 25 years, and Mr, ft. Olsen, Kaponga, aged 34 years. The latter was first assistant at the local cheese factory. The sympathy of residents will go out to the Widow and young family he leaves to mourn their loss.

The staff of the hospital now consists of half-a-dozen voluntary lady helpers, besides the nurse in emtfge ana two male attendants. Of the severe cases the majority appear now to have turned, the corner, with every prospect of ultimate recovery- Unfortunately, the laat few days a fairly large number of the more protninent workers have been attacked, happily none of them, so it would appear, seriously. The chairman of the Town Board and the secretary of the ladies' committee Thomas) were among the number of those affected, but both arc making a good recovery. Mr, H. P. Foster, secretary of the Dairy Co., is seriously ill at his private residence with bronchitis.

Generally speaking, a, much more cheerful feeling has prevailed during the past two days. The fewer new cases occurring are not presenting serious symptoms, and an increasing number are reaching the convalescent stage.—Star correspondent.

ELTHAM.

Dr. Cooper informed the Argus yesterday that the conditions are improving and fresh cases are occurring chiefly in the country districts. There are very few fresh cases in tfie town.

Miss Maggie Cartwright, daughter of Mr. Cartwright (employed at the local mineral water factory) and of Nurse Cartwright, died yesterday morning. She had 'been suffering from the complaint for a few days, and had a relapse which caused her death.

Another death occurred at the hospital yesterday morning, that of Mr. Meharry. He was one of the early cases in the hospital, and his case was considered very severe from the outset. The late Mi'. Meharry had recently come up from Canterbury, and leaves a widow but no children. Deceased was a brother of Mr- Meharry, of the Lowgartli Dairy Co. Mr. Alexander Meharry was 44 yearß of age, paving speAt most of his life on the WfeSt Coast of the South Island.

Mrs. Harry Clement, -who died a.t the local hospital early on Sunday mgrnin®, was a daughter of Mr, W. Pinny, and a, sister of Mrs. H. Mills, of.Eltham. She was in a very serious condition when* admitted on Saturday, and Tittle hope was entertained of saving her life. Mt. George Hobson, tAoeb death was reported on "Monday, was a returned soldi,er- He was a native of Christchureli, but enlisted with the Australian Forces. iTe Was wounded on Gallipoli arid invalided home.

The-Salvatiori Army Boys' Home has by no means escaped the visitation. The manager ICommandant Seotney), with Mrs. Seotney and the staff, have had a very trying and anxious time. It has been necessary to completely isolate one of the largest dormitories, where at present there are nineteen of the boys in bed. In addition to these, the epidemic attnokpit Mrs. Seotney and the other three female members of the staff, one of the latter being a young women who succumbed—Argus.

PATH A.

There were three eases reported in the borough on Monday, including Mr. L, Cronin, the driver of the motor ambulance.

WAVERLEY. " ' There are now 31 patients in the tem•porary hospital. The first death occurred on Sunday, the victim being Mrs. I'Jfortia, of Nttkumaru. The remainder Hffetart* or? all toldy-wilT

OPUNAKE.

In Opunake Major Keen an reconmieliif' ed the public school building as the hos« pital and all patients have been Tei moved there. Nurse 'Rowlands has 'beeni in attendance. A lady patient frwn T© Kiri was admitted on, Friday. A willing band of worker* hnvn been organised

The Sisters of the Convent do ' duty at the hospital and are doing whatever they can to assist in attending to the siclc.

Mr. Watteridge, who was the first pa* tient brought into Opunake to ill® nurse's cottage, is now convalescent.

Mr. James Young (Oaonui) organised! his district and visited the whole of Kina Road on Thursday, talcing tures wherever a suspect was reported.Mr. Clegg attended to Arawliata Road* and Messrs Evetts, Reynolds, 'Malcolm, and others, with the assistance of ladj] helpers, formed the organiaing_for,.jQ|ji( nui—Times. WBC

OAOSJUIi

The school at Oaonui has beeni IfltteS up as a hospital, and all arrangements made by the settlers to carry on the work. On Sunday nine patients wgn brought to the hospital, seven of whom belonged to one family (Wolleraj. Holdsworth ia in charge from Oaonui Warea, and is at present at Oaonui, asd will attend all urgent cases from Oaonui northwards, Major Keenaff talcing tbil portion of the district and (supervising the county.

n 22 23 24 25 2fi totfll ♦Total cases .. K-1 85 81 48 80 34 2121 New homes .. 56 25 22 18 ir, 15 32ft Serious cases . 7 7 8 0 5 3 12*8 Recoveries 65 G9 110 101 348 78 965