COOK ISLANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1930, Page 6

COOK ISLANDS

THE MEDICAL REPORT

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

AVELLINGTON, November 20,

Information concerning the work of the Medical Department of Cook Islands is contained in a recent report received by Sir A, Ngata from the Resident Commissioner at Rara tonga. During the past few years the Islands have been practically freed fro-m the loathsome disease o-f Atews, which has ceased to exist except in sporadic form. Eidariasis and elephantiasis-, which are contracted through the bite of a- mosquito, are diseases much more difficult to cope with and are especially prevalent. Since the removal of the last of the Cook Islands, lepers to Arakogai, there have been several further cases discovered f principally in the northern island of Penrhyn but these are receiving treatment locally, until an opportunity arrives to transport them to Afakogai.

Two specially selected Alaori hoys have been in training at the central mediinal school at Suva and should qualify as native medical practitioners at the end of the year and return to the group to assist in the work principally of tffe outer islands.