Vital Vessels

On a Friday afternoon in early February 1919, the members of Narrabri Red Cross Society called for a town hall meeting of the utmost urgency ā€˜for the purpose of coping with the influenza epidemic should it make its appearance in the town or district.’ The invitation was extended to all who wished to volunteer their […]

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A Critical Crusade

Seven-year-old Norm Ryan probably never felt so ill when he was admitted to Maitland District Hospital on 18 April 1940.* His symptoms, which might have included a sore throat, swollen neck, rapid breathing and fever were recognised as diphtheria and the hospital immediately notified East Maitland’s health inspector Basil Volckman. The following day, he attended […]

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