INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 February 1919, Page 5

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

* Iv-SA FRESH WAVE;-^ INDICATIONS IN THE KINGDOM, • ' > Received Feb. 3, 8.56 p.m. < London, Jan. 31. Indications point to a fresh wave of influenza of great virulence throughout the United Kingdom, corresponding, like the previous attack, with a notable break in the weather.—Times Service. ACTION AT WELLINGTON, -ij,j Wellington, Last Night Only five cases of influenza were reported to the Health Department for the whole of the Dominion during the week ending at noon last Monday. Three of these were in the Auckland district, asd> one in Wellington. The total for the week ended January 27 was the lowest since the beginning of the epidemic. It is possible that the doctors may not bo? reporting some of the cases, though the. obligation to do so is still upon than, but it seems from replies to inquiries made in Wellington that the dig ease Jsas* been well checked.

A meeting of the chairmen and'',members of tTie district-epidemic committees was held this morning to arrange for. maintenance of an organisation in jtbe case of a recurrence of the epidemic. The Mayor said the reported statements made by the Minister of Public Health had caused a little alarm as to the possibility of a further outbreak, fie had made inquiries as to the local position, and could report that there was no disturbing feature as far as Wellington City and suburbs were concerned. The] outbreaks in Australia made it ,neee§-j sary that they should exercide the greatest vigilance. This meeting was not con' neeted with the recent amendment oti the Public Health Act. The City Couh-' cil had not yet formulated its policy in; regard to this matter, but it was fcisj opinion that it would soon require to *p- f point an advisory committee as provided' for under the Act. He moved: "That all present pledge themselves to make the same efforts and do all they possibly can to carry on an effective campaign if the epidemic again breaks out." The. motion was carried.

WEARING OF MASKS IN SYDNEY. Received Feb. 3, 11 p.m. Sydney, Feb. 2. The compulsory wearing of masks took effect to-day. Citizens loyally complied with the regulation. Six new cases were reported to-day. The prices of drugß have been fixed to prevent profiteering. Owing to the southern border restrictions owners and trainers are urging the postponement of the Victorian autumn carnivals until interstate representation is possible.