The Herald

100 years ago

SALISBURY, 19 November 1918. — At the Town Council meeting held on Thursday an interesting statement was made by the Mayor in connection with the recent epidemic.

Addressing the councillors, the Mayor said: “Gentleman, I feel it’s my duty to give you a ‘resume’ of the work carried out during the epidemic of Spanish influenza. At our meeting on October 10 the question was discussed shortly and a resolution carried that the matter be left to the MOH and myself to take any necessary steps to fight the disease. On October 11, a few natives were admitted to our Lazaretto and I realised the disease was amongst us and immediately took action.

“Owing to the rapid spread of the disease there was no not time to interview the MOH as often as I should have liked and consequently I frequently had to act without asking further advice. If at any time I acted wrongly I crave your indulgence and can only say I always acted for the best.”