INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1919, Page 5

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC.

EPIDEMIC PRECAUTIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, April 15. Hon. G. W. Russell made the following statement to-day with regard to epidemic precautions: "All information received from Australia indicates that the epidemic in that country is gradually assuming more formidable proportions. In consequence of this, the chief health officer has recommended that all shipping from Australian ports- to New Zealand should be entirely prohibited, and the recommendation has been approved by me. I regret this course has become necessary, but, in my opinion, it is the one safeguard that can be employed at the present time. Almost every vessel now arriving in the Dominion from Australia shows the necessity for the precaution, and until matters assume a safer stage in Australia no other course appears to me to be open to New Zealand but to take the action that is now taken."

THE NIAGARA CASES. Auckland, Last Night. No fresh cases occurred among the Niagara's influenza patients at Motuihi to-day, and through passengers were released. The forty-six patients at present on the island are mostly convalescent. INHALATION CHAMBERS. NOT CONSIDERED EFFECTIVE. Received April 15, 9.30 p.m. Sydney, Last Night. Tho Medical Consultative Council has advised the Government to withdraw the regulation compelling the use of inhalation chambers, as evidence of their value in preventing infection is lacking. Inhalations are found to produce injurious effects in some persons. The Government may entirely prohibit the use of sulphate of zinc as an inhalant. Owing to influenza, all the Easter excursion trains and the usual Bporting and other gatherings will be cut out.