…And they did!

They weren’t even confined to their houses, and two goes were enough.
If only we actually learnt from history.
A further violent recrudescence of the influenza epidemic places the State Government in an unenviable position. Owing to the precautionary measures insisted upon by the use of sovereign powers during the two previous outbreaks of the disease, the public purse has been already drawn upon to an extent that cannot yet be calculated, but which must run into six figures. Naturally the Government is loth to undertake further heavy financial responsibilities in this connection.
On the other hand, as we have previously pointed out, the loss of human life cannot be estimated in figure representing pounds, shillings, and pence. It is the first and the most sacred duty of any government to protect the lives of citizens. Nevertheless, people will always be found ready to criticise what is done. Generally, we accept the view that the precautionary measures taken by the Government were dictated by the best evidence available, and that its policy exercised an appreciable influence upon both the area and the virulence of the disease.
It is now reported that the Cabinet gave the matter serious consideration yesterday, but that no decision was reached, beyond calling for a report as to the hospital accommodation for patients suffering from the more serious forms of the malady…
…As far as other restrictions are concerned, the Government may be excused for hesitating. There is a stage at which governmental responsibility for the public health ends…This is the third wave of the epidemic. By now the general public has been educated in the method of infection and the seriousness of the malady. It should be sufficient now to warn them against the voluntary acceptance of risks which can be avoided.
Sydney Morning Herald, 18 June 1919, page 10
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