Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Thames (NZ): Armistice & Influenza 1918

For sale at an online auction site is the Armistice Edition of the Thames Star, 12th November 1918. The masthead coloured in red. Although we marvel at the availability and ease of use of newspapers at Papers past, there seems something special about looking at the real thing.  If you get the opportunity, browse the old newspapers by hand and it gives a different appreciation of the news and times they represent.
Thames Star 12/11/1918
Thames was in the grips of the influenza epidemic, the front-page reflecting that the news of Armistice was relegated behind the news of the latest deaths, funerals and instructions for managing the deadly form of influenza.
 
A full account of the influenza epidemic at Thames is available by Kae at The Treasury website.
Thames Star part of page one 12/11/1918