Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 27

“The joint committee of the board of health and medical association was in session the greater part of yesterday afternoon, dealing with matters in connection with the influenza epidemic. Representatives were present from the retail merchants and manufacturers to discuss with the authorities the regulations that have been laid down, and ways and means of obtaining the best results. All expressed their desire to co-operate in the strenuous effort being made to stamp out the disease as quickly as possible.”

Hamilton Herald.    December 02, 1918

December 1, 1918 was a Sunday, and Sabbath or not, members of the board of health, now fully partnering with the medical association representing the city’s doctors, were hard at work.

A meeting had been called for the Sunday afternoon at City Hall, with the topic of store closing hours high on the agenda:

“The merchants presented their suggestion that the ban proclamation be so amended as to permit the stores being open for regular business from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., instead of being permitted to open earlier in the morning and required to dismiss their employees at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. After fully considering the matter, however, it was decided that the regulations as originally drafted were best suited for the purposes for which they were devised, and that they should not be altered for the present. It was agreed that the board of trade should appoint one representative to gather information and present the viewpoint of the merchants and other interests to the joint health board at its future meetings.”¹

¹ “Shop Early and Avoid Street Cars : This Will Best Way to Aid in Fighting Influenza : Merchants Are Readily Co-operating With Authorities”

Hamilton Herald.    December 02, 1918.

While there was agreement between the board of health and the retailers that the closing hour of 4 p.m., would be retained, the board of health did indicate that there restriction would be enforced strictly:

“Both the board of health members and the doctors made it clear that, far from wishing to antagonize the merchants or the people generally, it was their desire to secure the full co-operation of all classes, for which reason they were at all times willing to receive and consider suggestions, although they might not always be able to act upon. They were all pleased with the manner in which the regulations were observed by the merchants and, citizens generally on Saturday night. Health department inspectors were out all evening keeping tab on the stores, and they reported on several cases where the order to dismiss all employees at 4 o’clock in the afternoon was not strictly observed. The druggists were the chief offenders, and Dr. Roberts was instructed to take such action as he saw fit against those had not observed the law. After talking the matter over with the city solicitor, the doctor decided that owing to the shortness of the notice given, it would be fair to issue one warning to the guilty ones, but he announced that this would be the final warning, and that from now on the terms of the proclamation would be rigidly enforced and all offenders prosecuted in the police court. The health department’s inspectors will be utilized to check up those who fail to comply with the law, while the police will also be asked to keep a sharp outlook for delinquents.”¹

The heads of the major retail stores in Hamilton’s downtown were determined that an information campaign informing the public about the early closing restriction and about when shoppers should visit the big stores:

“While the heads of local department stores express a unanimous desire to co-operate with the health department in every possible way, they urge that the public, in order to overcome the difficulty incident to the 4 o’clock closing order, make special efforts to shop early in the day and thus assist in carrying out the existing regulations.

“Large placards, warning people against crowding, have been placed in the stores and other public places. The onus of seeing that this order is enforced rests on the store owners or managers, and sanitary inspectors have been instructed to see to it that the order is lived up to.

“Health department officials again urge that clerks who are released from store and office service at 4 o’clock walk to their homes as much as possible in order to assist the street railway company the better to comply with the order which forbids the overcrowding of cars. Summed up the popular order of the day is ‘shop early and walk.’ ”¹

At the same meeting, it mentioned with gratitude, the ways that the military were providing assistance to the board of health:

“For some days, through the kindness of Major Bethune and Capt. Storms, the military ambulances have been at the service of the health authorities, and a large number of cases have been handled by them. Capt.  Storms made the further announcement that he had received instructions from Major-General Mewburn to place the medical staff and equipment of the military hospital  at the disposal of the health department, and this offer was gratefully accepted by the board yesterday. People who are unable to secure medical assistance for financial or other reasons, are invited to notify the health information bureau, telephone Regent 328, and the officers in charge will arrange with the military doctors to take charge of these cases. Other uses will also be made of the military staff and equipment, and Dr. Roberts and his associates feel very grateful to Capt. Storms for thus coming to their assistance. “

Finally, the board of health was informed about Hamilton’s record in combating the influenza epidemic :

“It is gratifying to know that despite the prevalence of influenza in Hamilton, the death rate in this city during the month of October was lower than nearly every other city in Canada. This is believed to be due to the effective measures adopted to cope with the disease.”¹

The editorial writer with the Herald urged the paper’s readers to comply with all the rules of the board of health for everyone’s sake:

 “This should be borne in mind : The more loyal the community co-operation, the more general the observance of the regulations framed by the board of health, the sooner shall Hamilton be feed from the restrictions which are distasteful and harassing to everyone.”²

² “The Closing Order”

Hamilton Herald.    December 02, 1918.

Further to the need for a public information campaign to give Hamiltonians good advice on how to combat Spanish Influenza, two helpful bulletins were released:

 “The publicity committee of the board of health and Medical society gave out the following bulletin on the influenza epidemic today :

‘The increase in the number of reported cases of influenza does not necessarily mean that the disease is getting beyond control or that it is even more prevalent than it has been. Rather it is an evidence of the system evolved by the health authorities to induce people to take proper precautions by calling a doctor in at the first appearance of ‘flu’ symptoms.

“A very large number of the cases reported during the last few days are of a mild type, or incipient cases. These were the cases the health authorities found it most difficult to get trace of, and they were the cases that presented the greatest danger – not to the patient so much as to the general public.

“Severe, or ‘bad’ cases can be, and are being, controlled so far as the contagion is concerned, but those who have the disease in a mild form, and are able to move about, are a great source of danger and are largely responsible for the spread of the epidemic. Remembering that some people are more susceptible than others to the disease and that a very mild case may spread influenza in a virulent form, for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others, all persons suffering from what may appear to do to be only colds or other minor disorders, are appealed to consult their family doctor, even though their symptoms may not correspond with those of the typically serious cases previously outlined. The chief object of the present campaign is to keep susceptible people from getting `mass` doses that may prove serious, if not fatal.²

² “Incipient ‘Flu’ is Greatest Menace : Citizens Urged to See Doctor of They Feel Ill, and This Help to Check Epidemic”

Hamilton Herald.    December 02, 1918

`In view of the sloppy condition of sidewalks and pavements, due to the light fall of snow last night, health department officials warn citizens to take special precaution against getting wet feet. Among other suggestions, people are urged to drink considerable quantities of cold water. This applies not only to those who are suffering or who are convalescing from Spanish influenza. Individual towels and the use of tissue paper ‘kerchiefs by those who are afflicted with the disease, the used ‘kerchiefs to be placed in paper bags and burned, is also recommended. Strict observance of these two regulations are said to be highly important to the decrease of the disease. One of the numerous remedies suggested as beneficial to those who are convalescing, particularly for those who suffer from continued pains in the back, of which so many complain, is the juice from preserved or canned black currants mixed with water and taken in liberal quantities.”³

Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1914 Part 26

 ‘At 6 o’clock tonight, the ban again goes into effect, and will close theaters, schools, churches, public halls, billiard and bowling rooms, public assemblies and public funerals, and street cars will not be permitted to carry more than five persons standing.

“Stores and offices will have to close at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, all employees to be dismissed at that hour.”

Hamilton Herald.    November 30, 1918.

The first editions of the Hamilton daily newspapers, the Spectator, the Herald and the Times, all featured front page stories, arising from the Board of Health decision to re-impose restrictions on public assembly. The restrictions, for the most part, were the same as had been in place earlier in the month. However, in addition, the board of health decided that all stores and offices in the city would have to send their employees home and be closed by 4 p.m.

The purpose of the added restrictions was to help avoid with the overcrowding on the street cars :

“The order for early closing is made to relieve the congestion at the later hours. It will make it possible for people to walk to their homes or wait until room has been provided on a street car for them, thus getting home from work at a reasonable hour.”¹

¹“Ban Goes On at 6 O’Clock Tonight : Schools, Theaters and Churches Must Be Closed, and Public Meetings of All Kinds Are Forbidden By the Board of Health : Stores Close at 4 O’Clock : All Employees in Stores and Offices Are to Be Dismissed at This Hour, and Crowding in Street Cars is Forbidden””

Hamilton Herald.    November 30, 1918.

The reaction of store owners was immediate and critical. It was demanded that an emergency meeting of the board of health be called, and that a deputation from the store-owners be allowed to make a presentation.

The Herald assigned a reporter to cover that morning meeting. His coverage was not only written up but was ready to be published in the paper’s afternoon edition. With bold lettering, the basic details of the situation were laid out for readers to quickly see :

“ SPECIAL MEETING CALLED

A full meeting of the board of health, which will be held later this afternoon or tomorrow, will consider the request of a deputation of retail merchants, that they be allowed to keep their places of business open from 10 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening, instead of closing at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The deputation waited on Dr. Roberts this morning.

                   OPENING OF STORES

“The order of the board of health provides that any store in the city, no matter what its character, may remain open after 4 o’clock if only the proprietor or an assistant is in charge.” ²

² “Merchants Say Order Defeats Its Purpose : Shorter Hours Will Cause Congestion That Is to Be Avoided, and They Propose That Hours Be From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. : This Will Give Relief : Longer Period Will Prevent Crowding In the Stores and Give Shoppers More Time to Reach Homes and Thus Prevent Jamming in Cars”

Hamilton Herald.    November 30, 1918.

The argument against the early closing order were presented as follows :

 “The merchants of the city, while willing to obey any regulation of the health authorities in the public interest or safety, think that shopping hours as set by the ban will defeat the object sought by the board of health. The new regulations make it necessary for stores to close at 4 p.m.

“That means that a majority of the shoppers will be forced to do their buying between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and instead of keeping crowds from congregating will really result in the stores being jammed during those hours.

           “Not only will it result in causing a jam in the stores at those hours, but will also work out so that the crowds will be ready to go home about 5 o’clock at the rush hour on the street car lines, and will increase instead of decreasing the congestion on the cars.

 “What the merchants propose is that the hours for the stores to keep open be from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Their argument is that allowing shoppers a longer period in which to do their buying will not only stop the danger of congestion in the stores, but will also relieve the congestion on the street cars, since the shoppers will not then be compelled to travel on the street cars during rush hours. With these strong arguments, they think that they will have no difficulty in convincing the health authorities that the change will be in the interests of the public.”²

One of the most colorful and opinionated storeowner was L.R. Tobey who ran a popular clothing store on James street North:

 “L.R.Tobey today made the following statement regarding the closing order as it applies to store :

‘Last night’s paper, with the order closing stores at 4 o’clock, is the final stroke that killed father.

‘There is not one man of this board of health, as far as I know, who will be affected financially by this order. I am not finding fault, but one or two of the merchants should have been called. Plans could have been made that would not have throttled the business just at the busiest time of the year.

‘I, for one, as far as my business is concerned, have a lighted, well-ventilated store, and the people could have been regulated so that no more than a certain number would be allowed in at any one time from 4 o’clock until closing and there would have been no more danger from the ‘flu’ than closing at 4 o’clock.

‘The merchants have bills to meet and goods to selland this drastic measure will frighten the whole country so that there will not be a farmer come near the place, and will frighten the people who live here, and fear, I imagine, will bring on disease. The people are going downtown anyway, and there will be just as big crowds on the streets as there ever were.

‘It is going to work great hardships with clerks. Merchants who are forced to close their businesses at 4 o’clock Saturdays cannotpay the wages unless they do the business, and there is no need of help, so lots will be dismissed.

‘I do not think you can force people to be good, but it is like the boy who leaves his newspapers in front of a building. You put your cent there and take the paper, and I will guarantee there is not one paper stolen in a year. Take Hamilton people on their honor and they will make good.

‘Men, whose businesses drop from $100 to thousands over this 4 o’clock business, send your bills and see if they will settle them for you.

‘As a boy, I always used to envy a banker and his hours and the wages that he made. In my life, I felt like a school teachers, that is, as far as the salary they get, but I have never had the privilege to feel like a banker; but this 4 o’clock closing proposition will give me that glorious feeling.

‘The merchants who have big stores would be delighted to pay policemen to regulate the crowds, and they are willing to co-operate with the health authorities in every way they can.

“I would not have taken three pages in the papers yesterday had I known about this 4 o’clock closing, and I think that Dr. Roberts ought settle my account with the Spec., Times and Herald. I am sending him the bill.’²

Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 25

 “Its hand forced by the continued spread of the dread influenza plague which has already claimed in Hamilton nearly half the number of the city’s death rate in the whole war, and which now rages with all the virulence of the first siege a month ago, the board of health today ordered the re-imposition, beginning at 6 o’clock this evening, of the ban on public assemblies, theaters, churches etc.”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 29, 1918.

There had been suspicions and not a few rumors about the worsening of the influenza epidemic as the month of November, 1918 was coming to a close.

There had been little news about  the influenza matter from the Hamilton Board of Health published in the local press. Maybe , it is was hoped, the lack of updates meant that the dire situation was starting to get better.

However, when the afternoon editions of the Herald, Times and Spectator hit the streets on November 29, 1918, people were shocked to learn what the course of action the board of health had just decided upon.

It was announced that the restrictions which had been imposed a few weeks before would be reintroduced, and a few additional restrictions were added. The formal decree of the Hamilton Board of Health on the matter follows :

““The first proclamation, which goes into effect again, directs that:

(1)  All schools and seminaries of learning, either private or public; churches and Sunday schools; dance halls, billiard and pool rooms; bowling alleys, theaters, music or concert halls; public halls or other places of amusement; places for public gatherings or entertainment, shall be closed.

(2)  That all meetings or assemblies, either public or private, are prohibited in the municipality.

(3)  That all utensils in use in restaurants, hotels, boarding and dwelling houses, shall be immersed after use in boiling water for three minutes.

(4)  That the use of a common towel or drinking vessel is prohibited.

(5)  That no more than four passengers shall occupy any one elevator at any one time.

(6)  That public funerals are prohibited.

“Additional to these provisions the board of health this morning prescribed as follows:

(1)  That all employees of stores and offices shall be dismissed daily at 4 p.m.

(2)  That Santa Claus demonstrations or attractions of a similar nature are prohibited in stores.

(3)  That crowding in stores is prohibited.

(4)  That the standing of more than five passengers in any street car in excess of the seating capacity of such car is prohibited.”¹

¹ “Board of Health Ties Up Hamilton During Season Approaching to Christmas : All Theaters Will Be Locked Up Tonight and Department Stores Close at 4 o’Clock in the Afternoon : Transportation Problem Will Hit Manufacturers Hard – Only Five Standing Passengers Allowed”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 29, 1918.

There had been some disagreement as to when the restrictions would begin :

“It was not till after long deliberation that the board of health, in conference with the subcommittee of  the Hamilton Medical society, decided to put the restrictions in force. The first meeting was held at five o’clock yesterday afternoon when it was decided that the ban should come into effect at noon today. The suddenness of the board’s action, coming completely unheralded took the theater managers’ breaths away. A hurried conference was held, and it was represented to the medical health officer that it would impossible to close the theaters against patrons for the matinee today, as the restrictions could not be advertised in time. Mayor Booker went so far as to assure the theater men that he would see that the ban was not imposed until Saturday. Another conference was then arranged for 9 o’clock this morning. Those present at the first conference were : Norman Clark, chairman of the board of health; Mayor Booker, Ald. Langs and Dr. James Roberts, representing the board of health, and Dr.’s Morton, Glassco, Storms, and Langrill. The same committee met this morning, with the exception of Dr. Langrill.

“At first there was discussed as an alternative to the restrictions a strong educational campaign, to be conducted through the medium of public meetings, theaters, the press and the pulpit. But it was argued that the educational propaganda, if effective, would only result in discouraging public gatherings and bring attendance at theaters down to a minimum, merely accomplishing in a way what direct proclamation would do. So this plan was abandoned and the ban was discussed as the only course to take. It would inadequate without restrictions upon the infamous overcrowding in the street cars and the daily congestion in the large stores, and the provisions covering these were adopted.”¹

It had been a consideration that perhaps all the city’s factories should close but that idea was dismissed. However, the board of health strongly urged the proprietors of Hamilton factories to make some arrangements to help battle the epidemic, for example a change in the timing of shifts, making workers to arrive earlier and leave earlier would go a long way to ease congestion on the street cars.

Both the Hamilton Spectator and the Herald carried editorials on November 29, 1918 in which Hamiltonians were encouraged to not resist or even complain about the restrictions.

The Herald editorial read as follows :

 “There was widespread protest against the precautionary measures introduced and enforced by the local authorities some weeks ago to cope with the influenza epidemic. Partly, no doubt, because of these protests, the precautionary measures were withdrawn. Soon afterwards there was a recrudescence of the epidemic, and it is now more prevalent in Hamilton than it has been at any former time. The newspapers have not said much about, not to cause any unnecessary anxiety or to give excuse for anything like panic. But it is undeniable that present conditions are serious – more serious than they have been since the influenza made its first appearance here.

“Therefore the Herald is not disposed to find fault with the board of health because, acting in harmony with and partly on the advice of the Medical association, it has decided to restore the precautionary measures which were imposed a couple of weeks ago, and even to resort to more drastic measures. It is to be hoped that citizens generally will accept with patience the restrictions which have been imposed upon them.

“From 6 o’clock this evening, until further notice, public assemblages are prohibited. (This includes church services, so that the thanksgiving services arranged for next Sunday must be postponed). All places of amusement must remain closed. Stores and offices must close at 4 p.m., but storekeepers will be allowed to remain after that hour at their places of business to serve customers with necessities. On street cars not more than five passengers will be permitted to stand.

“Those of us who may be inclined to murmur against these restrictions should consider that the epidemic was dying out during the first period of restriction and broke out again immediately after the restrictions were removed. Let us consider that there are people dying here everyday who might and probably would have lived but for the removal of the former restrictions in compliance with popular demand.”²

² “The Ban On Again”

Hamilton Herald.    November 29, 1918.

The Spectator editorial struck many of the same themes :

“The board of health has suddenly decided upon heroic measures to stamp out the influenza epidemic. Theaters, schools and churches are to be closed forthwith, and the traffic on street cars is to be more strictly regulated, while stores and offices of the city are to be closed at 4 o’clock. The inconvenience and loss thus caused will be cheerfully borne with by the public, if the deadly malady can be banished from our midst thereby. The recrudescence after the recent peace celebrations proved beyond doubt the danger of public assembly. The highly infectious nature of the disease is the one certain thing we know about it, and the wisdom of curbing its ravages and preventing its further spread is beyond dispute.

“Whether all the proposed steps are the best discoverable to meet the crisis is, however, open to discussion. The provision forbidding more than five persons to stand in a street car, for instance, will mean on certain routes, at the busiest hours of traffic, that many will be left waiting upon the curb for longer or shorter periods in weather, at this advanced season of the year, which is anything conducive to the maintenance of good health. It is a question whether standing around on the street or hanging to a strap within the shelter of the car is the more to be preferred hygienically. At the busiest hours of the day, a more frequent service should be arranged to meet the new conditions

“It is to be presumed that the experts have made this decision in the light of greater experience and fuller knowledge than the average man in the street can possess, and the board can rely upon the fullest co-operation of the public in every reasonable endeavor to eradicate this dread disease from the city.”³

³ “Influenza Regulations”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 29, 1918

Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 24

“Yesterday was as bad a day in the epidemic as any that have yet occurred. The ambulances were employed till three o’clock this morning carrying patients to the hospitals and physicians and nurses are working night and day.”

Hamilton Spectator.     November 27, 1918.

While the number of new influenza cases reported to the Hamilton Board of Health was down to 46, a sharp decrease, it was an indication that the city’s physicians were too busy to fill out and send the proper forms.

According to C.W. Kirkpatrick, director of publicity for the board of health and medical society, referring to extremely busy physicians :

 “They make out the reports in a bunch when they have a few hours to spare.”

The epidemic of Spanish influenza was rampant, again, throughout  Hamilton as the month of November 1918 was nearly over. Seven more deaths as a result of the disease were reported on November 27, 1918, bringing the total of that number of fatalities as a result of the disease to 336.

There was some positive news as regards the response to advertisements placed by the Board of Health in out-of-town newspaper calling for nurses to come to Hamilton :

“Seven nurses from Toronto arrived in the city this morning and were taken to the nurses’ home on the mountain

“Due to the arrival of this aid, it has been possible for the hospital board to open 25 more beds, thus greatly relieving the congested condition. The section opened by the board was that part of the hospital which had been reserved for returned soldiers. It would have been opened before had a staff been available.”¹

¹ “No Abatement in Epidemic Say Doctors : Some Nurses Came From Toronto Today to Fight Disease : Citizens Asked to Give Use of Autos, and Blood to Make Serum ”

Hamilton Herald.    November 28, 1918.

That the eight week battle with influenza had exhausted officials with the Board of Health was shown by their impatience with, and physically forcible removal of a flu victim from his home:

“In some manner a serious case was brought to the attention of the M.H.O. last evening when it was reported that the members of a north end family were seriously ill. Inspector Shain investigated the case and found a man and woman in a house. The man was sick in bed with a temperature of 102 3-5 degrees, and his wife did not think it necessary to have medical attendance. She was advised that it was necessary to have the patient taken to the hospital, but the answer was if he was going to die, she preferred to have him die at home instead of in a hospital. Some time later, Dr. Roberts and the inspector went to the home and forcibly removed the patient to a hospital where he could secure the proper attention.”¹

Making matters for medical personnel within the City of Hamilton city limits was the situation in the adjacent Barton township :

“Considerable difficulty is being experienced by the fact that Barton township health officials have not taken steps towards meeting or combating the epidemic. The township is making application, medical assistance is being called from the city, and greatly increasing the amount of work that the local doctors have to handle.”¹

A very familiar sound throughout Hamilton in late November, 1918, was the sound of patients being driven to one of the hospitals:

“The ‘flu’ ambulances are working almost night and day. It was after 2 o’clock this morning that the last trips were completed and yesterday called ‘a day.’ ” ¹

          The epidemic had being going on so long that the enthusiasm displayed by citizens offering to use their own autos to deliver nurses and meals to stricken Hamiltonians directly to homes:   

“The health officials are severely handicapped by the lack of automobiles which were formerly volunteered by public-spirited citizens who now, it would appear, have become weary in well-doing. The health department issued a special appeal this morning for automobiles, pointing out that the Sisters of Service, whom the cars are engaged in conveying to the homes the stricken by the influenza, are themselves taking no rest, and never think of quitting.”²

² “ No Abatement in Influenza is the Report : Doctors too Busy to Report the Cases : Ambulances Busy Until  in the Morning : Many Nurses Arriving From Outside Points.”

Hamilton Spectator.     November 28, 1918

The newly-formed Bureau of Information set up in the Hamilton City Hall was extremely active, not only receiving a steady stream of telephone calls from doctors reporting new cases and fatalities, but also fielding queries from doctors as to whether, and where, hospital accommodation could be obtained for their patients and maybe other matters. C.W. Kirkpatrick volunteered as publicist working with the Bureau to provide information on the epidemic to the public in some cases, and to the Hamilton physicians in other matters:

 “The following letter was sent out today to the members of the medical profession by the secretary of the publicity committee :

“Dear Doctor, - an information bureau has been established in the city hall, under the joint auspices of the health department and medical profession for the purpose of receiving and furnishing information in connection with the influenza epidemic. Through this bureau you will be able to obtain, day or night, information regarding : Nurses available, S.O.S. work and workers, hospital accommodation available and ambulance calls.

“You merely have to call the bureau phone R. 328, and those in charge will attend to the securing of such assistance as you may require for patients, providing it is obtainable.

“Every morning the bureau will telephone your office. You are asked to co-operate by having ready and giving over the phone a list of all new influenza and pneumonia cases that came under your notice during the preceding 24 hours (from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m.), giving names and addresses of patients. This, however, must not interfere with your reporting cases in the regular way on the legal forms to the health department.

“You can also assist in the work of the bureau by reporting by mail back cases, not previously reported to the health department as soon as possible, but do not confuse these with the daily reports to be given over the telephone.

“The bureau was organized and is being maintained, largely for the benefit of the medical profession and we earnestly ask for your co-operation.”

Further publicity went out on the same day, directed to members of the public :

“The publicity committee of the Health association and the Hamilton Medical association today issued the following statement in connection with the influenza epidemic :

‘The mistaken impression prevails that Spanish influenza runs its course in about six weeks’ time, and that the danger was over in Hamilton a couple of weeks ago when the ban was lifted. That is not the case. Periodic ‘explosions’ or ‘outbreaks’ are to be expected. In Glasgow, Scotland, six months after the first outbreak, the toll of the disease was 500 one week, and something over 700 the following week.

“In Hamilton, after two months of strenuous effort on the part of the health authorities, doctors, professional nurses and S.O.S. workers, the disease is as high as it ever was.

“Only the individual co-operation of everyone with the authorities will suffice to stamp out the ‘flu’. All should assist by giving heed to the suggestions and advice issued gratuitously by the health authorities and medical men.”²

Spanish Influenza - Hamilton Ontario 1918 Part 23

 “Being of the opinion that the local health authorities had not taken sufficient measures to lessen the danger of infection in the influenza epidemic, members of the local medical association waited upon Mayor Booker yesterday afternoon and asked to have a conference arranged between the association, the board of health and the board of control.”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 20, 1918.

Ever since the epidemic of Spanish influenza made its presence felt first in Hamilton in October, 1918, there had been friction between the Medical Health Officer, Dr. Roberts and the city’s physicians.

By late November, 1918, another wave of the epidemic began after there. There had been some optimism early in the month that perhaps the epidemic may have come to an end.

The Hamilton Medical Society was the organization representing Hamilton doctors, the men who were fighting the epidemic on the front line. The Hamilton Board of Health, under Chairman Clark, were authorities charged with dealing with the epidemic on a wider bases.

On November 19, 1918, a delegation from the Hamilton Medical Society went to City Hall, insisting that a meeting between that society, the Board of Health and the Hamilton Board of Control :

The matter was referred by the controllers to the board of health, as the board of control have no say in the matter. No meeting has been arranged for so far.

“Health officials reported that the epidemic was again on the decline. A total of 37 new cases was reported today, and seven more deaths.”¹

¹“Adequate Measures : Not Taken to Check Epidemic, Say Doctors”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 20, 1918.

While much of the friction between the city’s physicians and the board of health related to jurisdiction and legal matters, it also a personal aspect :

 “ ‘There will be no conference of the Medical association with the board of health as far as I am concerned,’ Dr. Roberts, M.H.O., said this morning, in regard to the proposal of the local doctors to meet the board to discuss further restrictive measures against the influenza.

“Dr. Roberts said that a number of local physicians were merely seeking to rob the board of health of credit for handling the epidemic.

“The cold weather has brought an increase in the number of cases again. Nearly 130 new cases were reported today.”²

²“No Conference : Dr. Roberts Does Not Want Doctors to Meet Health Board”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 22, 1918.

In the very next day’s Hamilton Spectator, the simmering dispute boiled up again :

 “The fat is in the fire, as far as the board of health and the Hamilton Medical society are concerned. The Medical society has for the past week been endeavoring to secure a conference with the board to discuss further restrictions, in view of the epidemic. This morning, Norman Clark, chairman of the board of health, announced that there would be no meeting, and said he would undertake responsibility for the refusal of the board to meet the medical men.”³

“Health Board Not Worrying About Medicos : No Meeting Will Be Called, Says Chairman: Not Bothered One Iota, Declares Dr. Roberts : Medical Society Threatens Drastic Action ”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 23, 1918.

Finally, the Hamilton Board of Health agreed to have a meeting with some members of the Hamilton Medical Society. As shown in the following account of the meeting, written by a Herald reporter who was in attendance, the meeting did not go well:

 “The influenza epidemic in Hamilton is more serious today than it has been. Unless immediate steps are taken to combat the epidemic in an effective way, the medical men feel that the result will be serious. This was stated at noon today at a conference of medical men with the board of health, and the view was subscribed to by leading practitioners and members of the board of health.

                   SOME CRITICISM

“The doctors presented to the meeting a number of resolutions which criticized the board of health in regard to its attitude throughout the epidemic. Suggestions were also made with regard to fighting the ‘flu’ which the board agreed to act on.

“The meeting developed several warm spots, during which officials of the board of health positively denied having given to reporters information that the epidemic was abating. This denial was most emphatic by Dr. Roberts and Norman Clark, the latter chairman of the board of health.

“The criticism of doctors was also strongly denied by board of health officials, and ‘I resent that statement,’ was seemingly the password of the gathering.

                   WERE SNUBBED

“”When the meeting opened Dr. Morton was asked to present the report of the medical association, drawn up at a meeting held last night. In his opening remarks, he said that the medical men felt that they were being ‘snubbed and turned down, and made to feel that their opinions and advice were not wanted.’

“Mayor Booker interjected a defense for himself, declaring that he had never thought for a moment that the doctors were not being encouraged to lend all possible assistance.

“Dr. Morton added that the feeling of the doctors was that their opinions and advice should have been sought after rather than refused.

                   WEREN’T WANTED

“Dr. Mullin here referred to the attitude of the health department towards the doctors.

“ ‘It became evident to us in the first few days of the epidemic that our presence at meetings of the board of health was not desired,’ he declared.

                   TOOK EXCEPTION

“ “I take exception to that remark,’ shouted Chairman Clark.

“Dr. Mullin related the experiences of the doctors in regard to attending meetings. One was canceled and the doctors, who were very busy, were not even notified. ‘We were curtly told after we had hung around for half an hour that there would be no meeting, he stated.

                   SAID IT WASN’T TRUE

“ ‘This is not so,’ replied Dr. Roberts. ‘It is absolutely untrue.’

“Dr. Mullin continued to the effect that the next day the doctors had appeared again and no medical officer was in sight. ‘In the hope of avoiding open quarreling at that time, we smothered our feelings and politely withdrew, leaving the impression that we will still willing to help. There is an undercurrent of feeling that our opinions are not desired. From the remarks of the public and what has appeared in the press, it seemed that from the board of health have come remarks that reflect on the medical profession.’

                   CHAIRMAN OBJECTED

“Chairman Clark remarked that it seemed to him that a personal matter was being treated. ‘I object to the whole statement,’ he declared with some heat. ‘I cannot understand anyone holding to the idea that the assistance of the medical profession was not wanted.’

“ ‘It is absurd,’ declared Dr. Roberts

“ ‘I would like to know what it is all about,’ stated Ald. Langs, a member of the board of health who attended very few meetings this year.

“ ‘I don’t know,’ replied Chairman Clark to Ald. Langs. ‘There seems to be a misunderstanding on the part of the medical profession.’

                   HE DIDN’T REMEMBER

“Dr, Morton here pinned Chairman Clark to a definite answer as to whether he had or had not stated it would be unnecessary for the medical men to attend any more meetings of the board of health during the first few days of the epidemic.

“ ‘I don’t remember making any such statement,’ replied Chairman Clark, and a smile passed over the faces of the doctors. ‘I believe this is all the outcome of a personal matter.

                   ACCOMMODATION

“Dr, Morton then read the first clause of the report of the doctors. It referred to the fact that adequate hospital accommodation had not been provided.

“Dr. Roberts in reply stated that nurses and other help could not be obtained. He believed that in fitting up the two emergency hospitals the local board of health had done wonders.

“ ‘Then it proves that the department is not properly organized to fight such an epidemic,’ stated Dr. Morton.

“Dr. Roberts nodded his head in acknowledgment.

                   NOT PERSONAL AT ALL

“Dr. Holbrook stated that the Medical society had passed certain resolutions which, if the board of health would take into its consideration, would help a lot. Regarding Chairman Clark’s statements as to personal matters he did not credit them. He advised that all argument should stop in the interest of the public.

“ ‘The situation is more serious than ever,’ declared Dr. Holbrook.

“Dr. McNicol stated that the ‘flu’ had been raging in Europe since last winter. In Glasgow recently there had been 740 deaths in one week.

                   PUBLIC MISLED

“Several  of the speakers declared that the public has been misled as to the seriousness of the epidemic. Through the papers they had been informed that Dr. Roberts said that the epidemic was dying out.

                   NOT RESPONSIBLE

“ “I am not responsible for what appears in the papers,’ declared Dr. Roberts.

“ ‘Well, they quote you. Surely you have something to say as to that,’ replied Dr. Storms.

“It was decided to form a publicity committee consisting of three doctors, Publicity Commissioner C.W. Kirkpatrick and Dr. Roberts to give out all information to the press as to the ‘flu.’

“Dr. Morton read the remaining resolutions of the doctors. One was as to misleading the public through the papers.

“Another resolution complained that the health department had made no effort to facilitate the reporting of cases. They suggested that a girl be employed to take reports from doctors over the telephone.

“Another resolution criticized the department for not giving Dr. Jaffray more help in procuring serum for ‘flu’ cases.

                   WERE NEGLIGENT

“Part of the clause read :

“One would think that the authorities would have been alive to the importance of such a matter and would have seen to it that all the assistance that was required would have been supplied.”

“The report ended with the recommendation that more assistance be provided for Dr. Jaffray and that someone be empowered to urge recovered ‘flu’ patients to give a little blood in order that serum could be made.

                   SOME RECOMMENDATIONS

“Another clause advocated housing accommodation for convalescents in order that beds could be ready for new acute cases.

“Another clause urged that more consideration be shown to nurses who, recovering from the sickness, were used for long hours to attend to patients.

“The last resolution suggested that nurses should have been and should be secured from American cities to help out, and it also advocated that the S.O.S. should be enlarged and new helpers advertised for.

                   TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE

“Dr. Morton said that Dr. Roberts should put a statement in the newspapers over his own name to restore public confidence in the board of health.

“The chairman replied that he did not believe in newspaper publicity or in answering charges made in the papers. The suggestion was dropped.”⁴

⁴“Doctors Spoke Minds Freely : Dr. Roberts and Chairman Clark of Board of Health Made Strenuous Denials of Their Statements Regarding ‘Flu’ Epidemic : They Styled It a Personal Matter : Doctors Were Firm in Their Contention That They Had Been Snubbed, and Fired Hot Shot at Board”

Hamilton Herald.    November 25, 1918.

Cooler heads eventually prevailed, and a tentative resolution to the conflict was reached :

 “Announcement today that 170 new cases of influenza had been reported by medical men on Sunday and Monday, with six deaths yesterday, furnished ample proof that the epidemic, which has held Hamilton in its grip since the end of September, is not over.

“ ‘It is apparent that the scourge  has just reached its peak here,’ said C.W. Kirkpatrick, member of the committee of public information. ‘Only drastic measures will stamp it out.’

“From October 1 until Nov. 25 there have been 251 deaths from influenza and 71 deaths from pneumonia, these latter being, in the majority of cases, a complication arising from the ravaging of the systems by the influenza bacillus.

“Today, at a meeting of the board of health and a committee of medical men, it was decided to establish a bureau of information at the city and to advertise in Canadian and American dailies for trained nurses, there being a crying need here.

“The intention of the committee is to have all information regarding hospital accommodation and available nurses on file at the city hall. Hospitals will make daily reports and the medical men, with cases requiring hospital treatment, will get in touch with Mr. Kirkpatrick, and ascertain the vacancies in the various hospitals.”⁵

⁵“ ‘Flu’ Epidemic is Not Over Yet : 170 New Cases Reported Here Since Sunday : Wide Appeal Will Be Made for Trained Nurses”

Hamilton Spectator.    November 26, 1918.

The first public manifestation of the board of health and the medical working together to distribute information to citizens appeared the following day :

 “The following statement was given out today by the committee which was appointed at a meeting of the board of health to give out reports and make suggestions regarding the influenza epidemic :

‘The inability of the health authorities and medical profession to stamp out the Spanish influenza epidemic is due to the fact that the majority of people refuse, in spite of the high death rate, to take the epidemic seriously. Doctors, nurses and S.O.S. helpers are almost worn out by their untiring day and night efforts to cope with the disease, and the situation is becoming desperate. Measures more drastic than any yet introduced will have to be adopted unless people voluntarily comply with requests and suggestions of the authorities and medical men. Isolation may become necessary, and with the disease so widespread it may eventually mean the closing up of the whole city.

‘To avoid this all should take the following precautions:

‘Don’t mingle in large public gatherings any more than is absolutely necessary.

‘When the first symptoms of the disease appear (usually pains in the head and feverishness) don’t try to deceive yourself and others into the belief that you are merely afflicted with a slight cold, or some other minor disorder. Go to bed at once and call a physician. Better be sure than sorry. Delay may cost human lives.

‘Don’t visit others who are suffering or convalescing from the disease, or permit them to visit you. Patients should remain in bed for at least three days after their temperature becomes normal., and in the house for an additional two fays.

‘Masks should be worn by those suffering from the disease, especially when sneezing or coughing, and by those attending or conversing with patients. These masks should be sterilized frequently.’ ”⁶

⁶ “A Warning : Whole City Will Be Closed if People Do Not Heed It”

Hamilton Herald.    November 27, 1918.