“Today from some angles, the present epidemic
seems to be on the downward path, and close to the end of its run. Six new
deaths have taken place since yesterday, thus showing an increase in the
mortality among those already infected. Only eight new cases were reported to
the board of health this morning.
“It is apparent that there
is a large number of cases that have not been reported to the health
department. However, it is thought that the number not reported is not
alarming, and the conditions are improving daily.”
Hamilton Herald October 26, 1918
Yet another encouraging
headline appeared in a newspaper headline on October 26, 1918 in that day’s
edition of the Herald. While that paper’s reporter acknowledged that the number
of new cases, and deaths, might be lower than the full picture, the Spectator
reporter was more precise :
“The weekly report of the board of health
showed 253 cases of influenza as reported to the board. Just how unreliable
these figures are, however, was well-illustrated when Dr. Awrey, after the
report have been made out, walked into the board of health office and submitted
a stack of 106 reports of influenza cases. Most of them were not new cases, for
the physician, like most others engaged in fighting the ‘flu’ have been too
busy to report the cases daily. Consequently, there will be no accurate
estimate made of the number of cases which have occurred in the city until the
epidemic dies down.
“Dying Out : Fewer Cases of
Influenza Reported Here Today”
Hamilton Spectator. October 26, 1918.
Following the bishop’s
example, a member of the Anglican clergy expressed openly his displeasure
regarding the ban which would close their churches the following Sunday:
“To the Editor : It has been sagely observed
that ‘the law is an ass,’ if ever we doubted the justice of this dictum we have
only to consider the Gilbertian situation created by two announcements in this
evening’s papers. The board of health abides by its decision to close the
churches next Sunday in accordance with the terms of the proclamation. The
proclamation provides that nothing in its terms shall interfere with meetings
essential to the successful prosecution of the war. Now the minister of finance
requests the clergy to give the Victory loan a sendoff on Sunday. Therefore,
every church in Hamilton may open on Sunday and packed to the doors for a Victory
loan meeting, but no church may open for the worship of Almighty God.
“Perhaps the board
recognizing this ludicrous, not to say sacrilegious, provision of the
proclamation will relent even at the eleventh hour.
Faithfully yours,
WM. P. ROBERTSON,
The Church of St. Thomas,
October 24, 1918.1
1“Closing
of Churches”
Hamilton Spectator. October 25, 1918.
In another example of
differing approaches to the Spanish Influenza epidemic, the city’s doctors,
collectively issued their own statement on how citizens should respond to the
emergency:
“The Medical Society of Hamilton authorizes
the following statement:
“The people of Hamilton are
to be congratulated on the care they have taken to prevent the spread of
influenza. The warnings issued by the local board of health and others have
been heeded, and the advice given is generally followed.
“The result is that the
epidemic is not now as severe as it would otherwise have been, and the cases
treated are less virulent.
“There should not, however,
be any relaxation of the efforts to control the disease, nor any false feeling
of security. Several types are still frequent.
“The history of the epidemic
proves that, right up until the last, there is danger of fresh outbreak. We
must stamp out the disease.
“There are still many people
in Hamilton, who, through carelessness or ignorance, disregard all warnings.
These people not only imperil themselves; they are a menace to the community,
and infect others several days before they themselves develop acute symptoms of
the disease.
“Constant care is still
necessary, as is the avoidance of those who are careless. Do not associate with
people who are negligent. Eternal vigilance is the price of safety.
“Cleanliness, plain food and
early hours are as important now as at any stage of the epidemic.
“Nurses, and others in
attendance on the sick, in addition to masks, should wear dresses that may be
washed and sterilized.
“Various vaccines have been
offered as preventive agents. It should be understood that these are preventive
only, and are of no value after the disease has been contracted. They are all
similar in action. They are not even an absolute preventive, but have been
found to be a definite factor in modifying the severity of the disease.”
“The members of the society
earnestly request the people of Hamilton to assist the S.O.S. (Sisters of
Service) to the greatest possible extent. There is great distress in many homes
and help is urgently needed.”2
2“Keep
On Fighting Influenza”
Hamilton Spectator. October 26, 1918
The Dean of Christ Church
Cathedral was another source of promotion for the S.O.S. and he made an
inspection appearance at the YWCA to see how the program was rolling out, and
to encourage the volunteers:
“Several women who are
anxious to do their part in combatting the ravages of the ‘flu’ applied last
evening at the headquarters of the volunteer emergency health auxiliary
welcomed by the workers there.
“The call for nurses is an
exceedingly urgent one, and many more sisters of service are needed. There is
now open to women an opportunity such as they never have had before to render
their city a service that will be instrumental in stamping out an epidemic that
is the most virulent of any that has attacked Hamilton for many years, and a
prompt response from healthy women, willing to give their time and help in
assisting the health authorities and the physicians, will result in the saving
of lives, and the stamping out of the deadly Spanish influenza.
“Very Rev. Dean Owen was one
of the public-spirited citizens who was helping at the headquarters last
evening, and was deeply impressed with the critical necessity of getting help
for the sufferers. As his work was answering the telephone, he received many
pathetic appeals, and heard several heart-rending tales.
“ ‘The need for nurses is
more pressing than I think the general public yet realizes,’ said the dean.
‘Nurses, nurses, and again more nurses, is the need of the hour. A number
applied and were accepted tonight, but if the women of Hamilton, who are noted
for their hearty response to calls for service, really knew the situation in
many a home today, the ranks of the sisters of service would be swelled to a
small army of mercy.’
“A large number of calls
were sent in last evening to the Y.W.C.A. for volunteer help, many families
being absolutely desperate. What with the lack of domestic help, full hospitals
and the discouraging shortage of trained nurses, unless the women of the city
take it in hand, bids fair to become very serious.
“One sad case was taken care
of by sending the ambulance to take to the hospital a mother, who was stricken
with the disease, and raving in delirium, alone in the house with two small and
uncared-for children.
“Instances of unfortunate
sufferers might be related by the dozen; but it is sufficient to state that
those in touch with the situation are appealing for help. There are many women
who, with the training they will receive at the daily lectures by physicians
and the daily demonstrations by a competent trained nurse, would be prepared to
look after cases where no other is available.
“Help at the headquarters
may be needed, and, ultimately, money; but at the present time, it is nurses
that are the main need.
“This is work that must be
done at once. Let it not be said to their shame that the women of Hamilton
failed to answer the call to service in the time of their city’s great need.”3
3“Need
of Nurses Is Most Urgent : Very Rev. Dean Owen Impressed With Situation :
Several Women Offered Services Last Evening”
Hamilton Spectator. October 26, 1918.
For October 26, 1918, the
Herald carried the following updates on various influenza-related matters:
“Officials throughout the province, however,
are confident that the worst has now been reached, if not passed. Eight new
cases were reported to the local board today, and a total of 18 deaths were
registered. The mortality, it is stated, has been heightened by the damp, mild
weather.
“Whether or not the theaters, bowling alleys,
pool rooms and other concerns affected by the closing order, shall receive
compensation, is a question that may be discussed by the board of control when
the epidemic has abated. The Winnipeg authorities have decided upon a rebate of
license taxes of six months, and they are also contributing to the employees’
fund for employees who have been thrown out of work by the closing order. Mayor
Booker said that he would not advocate such a move, but Controller Jutten said
this morning that the matter would have to be considered later.
“In order that those who are
depending upon the I.O.D.E. diet kitchen for their food for the influenza
patients, the kitchen will be open all day Sunday, and a full staff of workers
will be in attendance at the First Methodist church kitchen.
“Doctors and nurses are
reminded that those in charge of the kitchen will gladly respond to any calls
that made to supply soups, jellies, custards, etc. to those who are unable to
provide for themselves.’
“Dr. Jaffray, in charge of
the city laboratories, refused to make any statement this morning on the
progress he has made in preparing serum for the cure of influenza.
“The medical health
officer’s report for the week shows : Chickenpox at 4, scarlet fever at 3 and
influenza at 252. The number of new cases of ‘flu’ this week is than half of
last week’s report. This again points to the belief that the crest of the
epidemic has been mounted, if not passed.
“In investigating many of
the cases that apply for help at the health officer’s office, a Herald
representative learned that Hamilton has a slum, but it is not located in one
district. In the center part of the city, where a nurse had been in attendance,
it was found that a young man, with over twenty empty whisky bottles in his
room, ate, slept and lived in one room. The filth that was confined into the
space occupied by him is indescribable. For some time, infected with the ‘flu’
he had lain in bed with a collar, sweater and a pair of socks on. The trousers
were missing. Other cases which have needed attention have brought to light
incidents that are astonishing.”
“The diet kitchen, under the
auspices of the Daughters of the Empire at First Methodist church will be kept
open all day Sunday in order that the ladies may provide for the sick and needy
during the time of the trial.
“The relief committee of the
Canadian Patriotic fund has been exceptionally fortunate in connection with the
hospital at ‘Ballinahinch’ in having the services of a number of graduate
nurses and V.A.D.’s, many of whom, at great inconvenience to themselves, having
given constantly of their time since the opening of the hospital on Sunday
last. Mr. Lovering and his committee are appreciative of this voluntary and
extremely patriotic service in the present emergency, which has made possible
an up-to-date hospital and the undoubted saving of a number of lives amongst
the dependents of overseas men.
“Mr. Lovering and his committee desire to
thank very sincerely all who have by their interest encouraged them in the
opening of this relief hospital.”4
4“Eleven
More Deaths From Spanish ‘Flu’ : Cases Reported This Week Less Than Half of
previous week : Only 253 Cases Were Reported this week.”
Hamilton Herald October 26, 1918
No comments:
Post a Comment