Influenza breaks out
Influenza
At the end of the First World War in 1918, the world was faced with an Influenza pandemic, which they called the Pneumonic Influenza. Its less preferred name was ‘Spanish Influenza’. In Australia, the government issued warnings about how local government might respond to protect the community. By early 1919, it was necessary for those measures to be implemented in Victoria. We have many original sources in our Shire Archives that demonstrate how the restrictions impacted on life at the Council and in the local community.
Cancelling Community Events
The social impacts of restrictions designed to contain the spread of Influenza appeared in early 1919. The Park at Mornington was a popular venue, hired from the Shire by clubs and societies in Melbourne for celebrations. We have many letters addressed to Miss Robinson from organisations cancelling their bookings due to the restrictions:
I beg to inform you that owing to the restrictions placed on travelling and gatherings in connection with the influenza epidemic, we have been compelled to abandon our picnic arranged for March 8th.
Plans for a Temporary Hospital
Mornington Shire decided to set up a temporary isolation hospital in the grounds of the closed Mornington Primary School. We have a telegram from the Major at The Langwarrin Army Camp, confirming the dispatch of 40 squares of Army tents, by goods train, for the temporary hospital.
A Local Complaint
Establishing the temporary hospital was not without difficulty within the community. Our Collection includes letters from residents who protested against its location. Mr Brown, a resident of Vale Street Mornington, wrote to the Council in early February 1919 expressing his displeasure:
Gentlemen, I wish to enter an emphatic protest as a ratepayer of this town against what I call ruination in value of my property by council allowing an Isolation Camp for one of the most virulent diseases to be established right next to my place and closer still to others in an absolutely unsuitable position….
Community Spirit
Many resources within the community were employed to assist with containing the influenza outbreak. Miss Robinson approached the Convent of Mercy in Mornington and received a generous response:
Dear Miss Robinson, your letter to hand re-giving the use of our Bathing box to the voluntary nurses in case of an outbreak of influenza – I shall be very pleased to do so, if there is necessity for it.
