LEPER ISLAND.

Waipukurau Press, Issue 304, 5 September 1908, Page 2

LEPER ISLAND.

Writing from Aitutaki (Cook Islands) under date August 17th, the correspondent of the Auckland “ Herald ” says: —Last week the district of Vaepae was fined for not sending out food to the quarantined lepers on the Motu, named Mota-rakau. It appears that every week the five districts of Aitutaki take turns in sending these lepers provisions and water sufficient for one week. Wednesday is the appointed day, but the -annual house inspection (tutaka) took place on that day, hence the delay, and it was Friday before the necessary supplies were sent out. There being an abundance of cocoanut trees on the island, the lepers suffered little inconvenience. In connection with this leper island an incident occurred two weeks ago worthy of notice It appears that the wife of one of the lepers Ives on the mainland (the quarantine island is within the lao’oon), and wishing to visit her husband, although such visits are prohibited, she clandestinely obtained a canoe at night and paddled out to the island, a distance of about two miles, wearingmale apparel. She was thought to be a night fisherman and no notice was taken of the occurrence at the time. Later . the local police heard of the visit, and the woman was discovered on the island. An edict was issued, and the faithful wife was prohibited from returning to the mainland, and she now remains on Moturakau as cook for the three unfortunates there.