Certificate of Thanks (for influenza workers)

This certificate was issued in thanks to people who worked during the influenza pandemic of 1918. Originating in the northern hemisphere, this strain of the flu killed an estimated 9000 New Zealanders over a short period from October to December 1918. An estimated 50 million people died worldwide, which was nearly three times the number of soldiers who died in the First World War.

The 1918 flu pandemic is New Zealand’s worst public health disaster. A high proportion of the dead were young adults, with Māori suffering especially severe losses with about 2500 deaths out of a population of about 50,000.

Volunteers acknowledged
During the pandemic, many people offered their services to help local Hospital Boards and other relief agencies to alleviate victims' suffering. The Otago Hospital Board publicly acknowledged the efforts of volunteer helpers in its area. It resolved that special 'certificates of thanks' be printed and issued to all those who had volunteered their services. This particular certificate was issued to Miss Jessie Miller.