THE EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1918, Page 3

THE EPIDEMIC.

IN THE ISLANDS,

CONDITIONS FAIRLY SERIOUS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Suva, Nov. 30. Reports from Nukualofa state that the influenza ia serious in Tonga. There have been about forty deaths, including two European ladies up to the twenty-fifth. The Consul lias appealed to Suva for medical help. The epidemic in Fiji ia Aerious from a native stsyidpoint, but mild regarding Europeans. There have been only two European deaths. The average native and Indian mortality is ten daily. The situation, however, is well in hand, and tliero is no cause for claim.

Wellington, Nov. 30.

The Governor-General llias received a message from the Governor of Fiji, under date the 29th insi.. regarding the outbreak of influenza at Suva, stating that since the 18th the epidemic has assumed serious proportions among the natives, tlhough Europeans have been attacked. The disease has assumed a severe form in the majority of cases. There are only two European deaths. The Government has taken organised measures, and, in the opinion of the chief medical officer, the outbreak is under control and the climax reached.

ATTACKING THE CHILDREN.

MORTALITY AMONGST NA-

TIVES HEAVY.

Thames, Nov. 30.

The epidemic is now attacking the children (here. Ten serious cases of children, from eleven months to seven years, Were admitted to the hospital today.

The death Tate among the natives on the Hauraki Plains is reported to be very high.

TREATMENT OP A SICK PASSENGER.

DELAY COMPLAINED OF.

Auckland, Nov. 28.

A complaint regarding the treatment of a lady paeßenger from pneumonia, who arrived from Samoa by the Talune on Thursday, has been made to the Mayor by Mr. F. W. Cashbolt, of Devonport, who declares t'hat delay in getting the lady ashore to the hospital, and her being allowed to walk about the wind-sv f, deck of the vessel while suffering irom pneiimonia following influenza, was directly responsible for hev death t'he following morning. The Mayor stated he had brought the matter under the notice of Dr. Frengley, and received a reply stating that he had written to the port health officer, Dr. Russell, asking for an explanation.

Regarding the Talune complaint, the health authorities state that they were informed, when the vessel entered port, that f'ne patient had recovered from in(luenza, and that she was proceeding to Auckland to enter a hospital for treatmen of a totally different ailment.

THE MAKURA.

WELLINGTON CONCERNED.

Wellington, Nov. 30.

Regarding the suggestion, tlhat the Makura will not be worked at Auckland the Mayor of Wellington sent the following message to the Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister {ar Public Health: "I am greatly concerned at the threatened action of Auckland not to work the Makura, and respectfully protest against directing the ship to Wellington. Urge you to exercise exacting safeguards against infection being spread by the south-bound passengers, either by rail or steamer."

MEDICAL STUDENTS SERVING.

DUNEDIN IMPROVING.

Dunedin, Nov. 30.

Every student at the Otago Medical School is serving during the epidemic in some part of the Dominion. It is noticeable that the cases and numbers in the hospital s'howed a substantial drop to-day. The condition is generally improving.

NORMAL AT AUCKLAND.

Auckland, Last Night.

The influenza position is practically normal. Patients are being rapidly discharged from the temporary hospitals, two of which will be closed towards the end of the week.

GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT AT

DUNEDIN.

Dunedin, Last Night-

Dr. 'Bowie stated that the position S3 steadily easing, the improvement being gradual, and no cause for misgivings. There rftre seventeen admissions on Saturday, including cases from the outlying districts and a few caseg on Sunday, also from the outlying districts, which tend to keep the numbers up.

DEATHS AT WELLINGTON".

Last JT:ght.

TTie disorganisation of the RegistrarGeneral's office niaksw it impossible io ascertain the vital .stntistiea for November &3 effected by the inftaen/a. The corporation record of interment;* at Karori ecineteiy alio*/ 709 a? against 94 for October, and SS lot November the previous year, bei?.i; almost o(jua.l to the total for ten months of the .vear ended October.

It should W noted that the total corporation interments arc not hece'w.irily an index of influenza morality, as they include deaths ftwn all othev causes, but the figures) are regarded !'.<■ significant.

OAMARU.

Oamam, Nov. 30. A marlced abatement of the epidemic has been perceptible during the last few days. The death-rate is lower, and Mere are fewer admissions to the hospitals and a decline in the number of cases is reported. There are at ill several bad cases in the hospital, but the serious cases show a marked decline, | e ven in the country districts, whence most of the hospital cases came.

REPORTS FROM OTHER CENTRES.

Chrintclmrcili', Nov, 30.

It is now generally admitted that the ' most acute phase of epidemic passed a week ago and a steady improvement lias been recorded daily eveT since. Admissions to the hospitals yesterday \were 0 and the deaths 0. \ Hokitika. Nov. 30. Tlhcre have been 2t! deaths for two weeks and a-half, 14 of whom were country residents. The deaths included' three ex-soldiers and two hospital nurses. A third nurse is dangerously ill. The staff is thus seriously depleted and further nurses are urgently required. Reports show that the serious cases arc disappearing and the actually dangerous cases with one or two exceptions are mending slowly. In South Westland the epidemic is not proving very scripus;, though several patients are down.

ALONG THE COAST.

In response to another appeal from Major Keennn for telephones at Oaonui and Rahotu hospitals, the committee got into communication with Mr. Fookes (officer in charge), who explainei that the line had not sufficient power to carry another connection. He suggested that it could be done by making Pungarehu a terminus after 9 or 10 p.m. New Plymouth then could not get past Pungarehu, or Opunake further than Pungarehu. This would give each line full power in its limited radius for night work.

It has been decided to open the Pun iho school as, a convalescent native hostel. Ramotu will be in charge, with Miss Hills as nurse. Meals will be procured from Stony River Hotel. ißev. Souals is to be asked if he will act as native picket for the district.

The medical assistant at Pungarehu is to take charge of Puniho, Warea and Pungarehu districts. Pungarehu hospital is to be closed, and all patients are to be moved to Warea hospital to-day. Pungarehu is to be held in readiness for a native convalescent home in connection with the Kahotu clearance house, and the Pungarehu church is to be opened for convalescents from Warea. Major Keenan is to be informed that Pungarehu is at his disposal, but that no nursing assistance can be furnished. Dr. Wade reported yesterday that of the eight cases at Pungarehu, four liad 'been evacuated to isolation in homes under supervision, and four were removed to Warea, where there are now six cases doing well. At Okato there are 17 cases, one serious, and one vacant bed. Dr. Wade recommended the top floor of Mrs. Gill's house, if Mrs. Gill was agreeable, aa a convalescent home. At Puniho il convalescents have been evacuated to the school, leaving 14 in the hospital. It may be necessary to find some other convalescent home to provide for the contingencies of the future.

TKORANGL

A fairly representative meeting of keen and willing people was held at Tikorangi. There is a good hall suitable for a hospital if required. An inhalation plant is to be fitted at the factory. Steps were at once taken to organise the district, and the settlers promised to send •in four V.A.D.'s for hospital training. There have been a number of mild cases, and one or two bad cases are now on hand. They lived seven miles up by a had road, and he had phoned New Plymouth for a medical assistant to report.

OKOKE.

Two representatives visited Okoke and met the settlers, who formed a committee with Mr. Wright as chairman. Mr. Wright offered a seven-roomed house for a hospital. It is within five minutes of the telephone, and eminently suitable. Mrs. Fuller has been installed as matron, and Rev. Barnitt, who had instruction as a medical assistant, is to act as secretary. Four patients would be shifted to the hospital, and two children from a house where all the rest were down were jnotored to Urenui. The representatives iJtate that the committee readily adopted JAe plans suggested, and will now be able to keep an eye on all the settlers. .The position at Okoke was not very bad yet, but the settlers were determined to be prepared.

DISTRICT HO£ PTTAL ACCOMMODA-

Tho report on the various hospitals showed the maximum accommodation at Punyarehu is 16, and tho present accommodation 12; Puniho, 16 and 16; Puniho School, 12 end 0; Nativo hostelry, 25 and 21; New Plymouth Hospital. '2O and -20; Bell Block convalescent, 21 and '25; Waitara Hospitnl, 31 in No. 1 and two available beds; in No. ward, 9 paients and three available beds. There are now 25 cases in the Bell Block hospital.

GENERAL.

A Chinese named Chan Ly Chun died at Rahotu on Thursday. It is not only in the towns tliat shockingly sordid conditions of living are discovered, for those who have been working in the interests of health in the country districts of our fair province have romc across some sad cases of neglect and want. In one house recently they discovered the sick children sleeping on straw that was not by any means clean, and covered with filthy tags. Steps were immediately taken to remove the children to more comfortable surroundings.

Assistance is still urgently required at the 'Hospital, tvhere the position is stili very serious, and in order to carry to a conclusion the good i.'ork that has already beer, done at the institution by the ttalF and the Y A.D.'s, whose work is thoroughly appreciated, it is absolutely essential that additional VA.'D.'s shall be available. An appeal, therefore, is made to the public, asking for — (1) Girls to assist in nursing; (2) girls to do any work in the wards other than nursinfr; (2) girls not desiring to assist in nursing, but willing to do work outside the wards; (4) strong Tils willing to "assist in the laundry; (o) men fo>" both day and night duty in the wards Those willing to assist in any of above duties should communicate with Mr. J. MeLeod, or the 'Health Bweal ('phone 700). The Health Committee is making an appeal for old clothes for men, women, and children, suitable for the Maoris who are in the Convalescent Home at Bell Block.

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.

Stratford, Nov. 30.

Admissions to the hospitals from influenza are daily becoming less, but we are still losing good citizens, and once jigain it is my melancholy duty to record three deaths.

Mire. Jennings, of Whangamomonia, died after a very short illness in the hospital here. Her case was considered a very serious one when admitted. One of her sons was admitted last Tuesday in a very low condition, whilst'a second son was brought in from Wiiumgamornona to-day with three other patients —two from Douglas and two from Whangainomona. This afternoon Mr. James Rotliery, for several years licensee of the W!hangamomona Hotel, breathed his last. He was brought in by special train last Tuesday with his hrother-in-law, Mr. Riddell, whose death was chronicled in a previous issue. Mrs. Rothery was in town to-day, and was able .to see Iher husband .before he died. He was well known and universally esteemed throughout the Stratford district. 'lho third victim was Robert J, Horn, who died hist night. Deceased wa-s a married man, farming on the Clinne Road, Ngaere, his parents residing at Palmerston North.

A meeting of the Hospital Board was held this morning, Mr. J. McAllister presiding. The business was to consider future operations in connection with the epidemic. Eulogistic references were mado to the whole-hearted manner in which the public had responded to the task of assisting the board and medical men in their work. It was decided that from Monday next the Technical Hospital and Melrose House should come undot- the administration of the board and ■superintendent, Dr. Steven. The thanks of the board were specially due to Dr. Paget for coming to their assistance. The doctor Jvill continues his work here unjtil he, DK Steven, and the chairman of the board are satisfied the thealth of the town and district permits him taking up other duties. It is pleasing to notice that Hie coimtry people are making full use of the privilege of being sprayed a(f the inhalation chambers. From Kaponga is reported the deiwn of Mrs. Bloomfield, Tendering sis small children orphans. Her husband died recently from the influenza epidemic, aaa now the mother has gone. News from Eltham conveys the sad intelligence that Mrs. J. Tristram, had died. Deceased had been under treatment for the influenza, and was thought to have an excellent chance of recovery, but the unexpected happened. Her husband is also down with the complaint. A young family of three are left to mourn their loss. It is believed that the number 01 deaths caused through influenza m Stratford total 46. It should be mentioned that some of the patients were brought in nearly CO miles for treatment, and in every instance the condition was serious, so the percentage <r deaths in and around Stratford is not so bad as the figures mentioned would indicate ft is unfortunate that no records have been kept of all those who have contracted and recovered from the disease. Stratford, Last Night. There were three deaths here (Sunday) —Mr. Percy Siiumonds, aged 24; Mr A Flvnn (a returned soldier, and son of Mr. Flynn, of Te Wera); Mr. Frod. Russell, an ex-railway employee at Dougthese deaths, which arise from the past serious cases, the position isi now ereatly improved and well in hand. Business is to be resumed on Monday, except for the hotels, pictures and bar : bera' businesses.

HAWERA.

Tho general position in the town is much brighter (reports the Star). A systematic fiiouse-to-houso visitation h being made to ascertain exactly the number of cases in the borough. There are cheering reports from the temporary isolation hospital. Only four patients were admitted to this hospital, the lowest number since tho opening ol t'he institution. Three patients were transferred to tho St. Mary's convalescent hospital and one went to his home. The patients, with the exception perhaps of two, whose condition is yet doubtful, are all progressing satisfactorily. The number of admissions to date in the temporary isolation (hospital are 155, deaths '27, transfers to the convalescent hospital ST, remaining in 'the institution 41. "All are on the mend," is the reassurin" report from the sister in charge of the public hospital. No fresh, influenza cases arc now being taken into this hospital. The Maori cases are also progressing satisfactorily. Two patients, whose cases have oeen regarded as serious from the first, died in°the temporary isolation hospital on Friday night, namely, Edigio Martclletti, aged 30, single, fanner, Okaiawa; and Joton Sharp, aged 50, married, farmer, Inaha.

ELJHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent.

Forty-five have now been admitted to the Eltham hospitals. T : !iero were three deaths in the institution on Friday evening, and two residents ha"\e been sent home as convalescent.

Mrs. Ernest Phillips, of Rawhitiroa, died suddenly on Saturday morning from pneumonia. Mrs. Phillips has been suffering from influenza for some 'time past, and tWs turned to pneumonia Deceased's family live at Midhirst, and a brother and sister have died there recently IVom the siuue 'Coxuplaint. The circumstances surrounding tue death of Mrs. John Tristram, of the Cheal Road, are particularly sad. She had been removed to the convalescent ward prior to going home, and on Friday evening she came downstairs to ace her son, wlic is also in the hospital suffering from the same malady, when she suddenly expired. The late Mrs. Tristram was extremely popular ir. tlie PukengaV.u district, and all who :viie\V her feel deeply for her husband and the three children who survive her.. Tlhe death occurred at the emergency hospital of Mr. John Taylor, of tho Eltham Road, who was for many years with tiie Eltham Borough OouneiU uwl was more recently in the employ 01. Mr. C. P. Baker. He leaves a widow and three young cl'uildren. _ . i A third 'death occurred on Friday evening, at the hospital, that of Mrs. J A. Wheeler. She had been ill for over a week, and was in a very low condition wlhen admitted to the hospital. Her husband died on Monday last, and the heartfelt sympathy of all | townspeople . will go out to her two I little children who have thus suffered the double loss.—Argus.

IXGLEWOOtt

(From Our "Own Correspondent,

Tlio progress made locally in fighting the epidemic is being maintained, very few fresh cases being reported, and officers at the bureau have had an easy time.

A patient named Peace died at liiglewood en route to the hospital. The state of affairs is much 'brighter, moat of the business premises being open and staffs gradually are being reinforced. Barbers' shops are open, but hotels are still closed. Members of the bureau are not relaxing their efforts, and are carefully watching every development.

The remains of the late Mrs Gladys Catherine Harding, wife of (Lieutenant Eric Harding, were interred here yesterday, six returned soldiers acting a» bearers. The ißev. E- 1. Harvic officiated.

Tho funeral of the late Mr. -Tim Mather took place yesterday, Mr. G. Ireland reading the burial service. Members of the 'Druids' Lodge acted as fearersThe remains of the late Mr. Harold Warding Inch were interred to-day, returned soldiers acting as bearers, and the funeral service being conducted by Mr. G. Ireland. _ ■ "ft ~j

WAITARA.

The convalescent home< for Maori women at Waitara is working well, and has taken considerable pressure off the hospital. Dr. Walker visited Waitara, and condemned the State school as unfit to put Maoris in, let alone school children. Provided there is no sudden increase in tho epidemic, which might happen should further plague spots be discovered among the Maoris, as was recently the case, the present organisation should cope with the demand.

" MOKAU. 1

The medical assistants reported that the Mokau district is practically all well. There is one patient, who is now convalescent. There have been one or two cases of .mild influenza in the town lately. A Effecting was held on Friday evening, when full arrangements were made for combatting the epidemic should it reach the district. A patrol of the river has been arranged, and medicine has been sent up to Mr. Mouat, manager of Chambers' station. Mr. Main has undertaken the management of the district, and Messrs. McGregor and McDonald have been given instruction in medical assistants' work. Several ladies are willing to proceed to New Plymouth to gain V.A.D. experience if the necessity arises. A suitable hall is also procurable should it be necessary to establish a hospital, and settlers have guaranteed to supply; the necessary requirements.

PATEA. ' it

The epidemic appears to be still more or less stationary aa far as tfhe town ia concerned (says the Press). The total number ,of cases reported since the first local case was noted is as under: 15th 1, 16th 15, 18th 2a, 19th. 4, 20th S, 21st 6, 22nd 13, 25th 3, 26th 8, 27th 7. Of tlhese, CO Were Europeans and 30 Maoris, the percentage being exceptionally high among the latter, and helping considerably in spreading the disease.

'A VERY SAD CASS.

On Friday there were two deaths at the temporary hospital, Kaponga. Mr. and Mrs. A. Broomfleld, of Auroa, who had been some days in the hospital, died within a few tours of one another. This is a very sad case, for there is a. young family of six children left orphans. They had. been fanning at Auroa for about a year. Previous to

that Mr. Broomfleld. was engine-driver at the Kaponga factory for some years. The greatest sympathy will be felt by many friends at the very sad occurrence.—Star Correspondent.

MANAIA.

Friday's report from Manaia shows: Hospital report: No admissions; one patient died (Wm. Jennings, Inaha); all others improving; two or three fresli eases reported from country, mot serious.

Maori hospital: All patients in this hospital doing well. Mr. Hansen imports having visited all Maori palhs aad habitations ill thio county and foiind conditions very much improved. Very few fresh cases and none serious.

All reports indicate that as far as this "wave" of the epidemic is concerned it is clearly on the ebb. Should tho second "wa7e" prophesied come along it will find the people prepared to deal with it promptly and effectively. Much haa been learned from the present ■visitation.

FARMING ASSISTANCE.

Tho Farming Committee report that they had visited Kahui Road factory, and found the staff were just able to keep it running. After putting the bach in a sanitary condition, ihey guaranteed to supply help should it be required. On the Kahui Road the farmers' were in difficulties, 10 having gone down in one day, Amongst these the most urgent were: T. Willcox, W. Larking, 11. Annis, and F, Rothery. Each had one of the volunteer milkers to assist him. A lady volunteer was left to assist MrW. Hodson for a day or two when she goes to assist Mr. Willcox. At Rahotu they were in difficultien Tor a baker, but were able to put them in touch with a medical assistant. A volunteer >vas also to Ol.ato to assist a boy and girl who were endeavoring to milk 70 cow?.

Since returning, another urgent call had come from Okato for resistance hi milking, and it w."s hoped io send a volunteer that night.

There was another urgent ease on the Alfred (toad, v?here r, b;>y, whose father is dead, was endeavoring to milk 27 cows. Assistance wis at once sent. A volunteer who had been canvassing the district got in touch with that and another argent t'asc, which was also assisted.

They were able to supply volunteer milkers for all the other cases, for whom they.luid for some time been rendering assistance, and, thanks to the splendid response of volunteers, every care for assistance had been met.

LOWER MANGOUET.

7i. report from Lower Mangore! states that everything is working well a'nd in good hands from a medical and nursing point of view. Good co-operation prevails. With the sanction of the Borough Council, the 'phone at the waterworks will be open night and day. In the event 'of an outbreak, Mr. Benoni White offered twcKor three roojns in his heu**, and spgg*att& fWnIM%