A DOCTOR’S WARNING.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1921, Page 4

A DOCTOR’S WARNING.

In giving a warning to the people of the Dominion relative to the advisability of taking common-sense precautions agains* the spread of influenza, Dr. Tljacker, of Christchurch, reminds the public of the 'serious epidemic of thyee years ago, the anniversary of its appearance being about Septeiftber 14. The reason for this reminder is that already a somewhat similar phase of mild influenza is pissing over Canterbury. In New Plymouth numbers of children are in hospital, or are being treated at their homes for various infectious diseases, which emphasises the desirability of the utmost care being taken in order to preserve health. We have passed through a mild winter, so that the tendency of vitality being lowered has to be taken into account. While there is no justification for alarm, yet it would be prudent to take every precaution that medical science can suggest in order to minimise and overcome the menace. It is the duty of the Health Department to take active measures to prevent the spread of those infectious diseases which spread broadcast unless checked by removing the causes whereby they become virulent. The exceptional number of children who have been taken to the New Plymouth Hospital of late testify to the fact that epidemics exist, and naturally the public want to know what has been done, or is proposed to be done, to combat the evil. It has been found necessary to dose the Fitzroy school for three weeks or more in consequence of the prevalence of infectious diseases, and strongly-worded iesolutions relative to the overcrowding of the school and the need for increased accommodation (but not by utilising the gymnasium as a temporary expedient) have been sent to the Minister of 'Education requesting an immediate remedy. It is hoped he will recognise the urgency of the matter and authorise the neces-

sary enlargement, otherwise parents will have to seriously consider the question of whether they are justified in sending their children to a building the overcrowded nature of which is a continual menace to their health. The Government should set an example in all matters pertaining to health, seeing that they enjoin the taking of precautions by employers and the public generally, and there is really no excuse for the indifference displayed in connection with this congested school. The beneficial effect of fresh air and sunshine, together with scrupulous cleanliness and effective sanitary measures, cannot be too strongly emphasised. It is apathy and callousness that are most to be dreaded, and even though there may be no cause for alarm, one cannot too strongly urge that the necessary activity be displayed to prevent the present mild wave gaining strength and resulting in disastrous conseq nonces.