A.—3
24
Report on the Health of the Island of Aitutaki. Sir, — Rarotonga, 23rd December, 1912. I beg to submit my report, upon the health of the Island of Aitutaki. I arrived at the island on the 4th November, and left again on the 2nd December. In the intervening four weeks I was able, in addition to examining and treating the sick, to make a complete inspection of the island from a hygienic standpoint, paying special attention to the questions of housing, sanitation, and water-supply. I also visited, along with Mr. Hawk, the Resident Agent, the islet on which the lepers are segregated, and inquired into the conditions under which they live and are cared for. It would be well if my recommendations with regard to the provision of suitable accommodation and water supply for these sufferers could be carried out. at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime, and pending further instructions, I have advised Mr. Hawk to take such steps as may be possible with the limited resources at his command to alleviate their misery. A very large portion of the population of Aitutaki suffers from disease in some form or other, and in many cases of a very serious nature, so that in order to cope with it a frequent visitation of the island by one of the Medical Officers will be necessary. The remarks on this subject which I embodied in my report on Mangaia apply equally well for this island. A visit of a month at a time, with a long interval between visits, can have very little permanent effect in educating the Natives to appreciate the importance of various hygienic measures connected with the home, and only by repeated instructions and exhortation can they be taught or persuaded to take proper care of the sores and contagious skin-diseases which form such a prominent and loathsome feature of Native life. I would especially call your attention to my remarks re housing, having regard to the number of cases of phthisis in these islands. Measures should also be taken at once to deal with the mosquito plague. Area of the Island. The area of Aitutaki is about 7 square miles. In addition there are several islets on the barrier reef and in the lagoon, one of which is used as a leper settlement. Villages. On the western side of the island the four settlements of Arutanga, Reureu, Nikaupara, and Amuri form practically one long village. On tin- eastern side are the settlements of Vaipae and Tautu. The site of the old village of Tauta having been condemned as unhealthy on account of the marshy nature of the soil, most of the houses have been pulled down, and the new village is now being built on higher ground further inland. Population. At the last census (April, 1911) the total population of the island was 1,222, comprising 613 males and 609 females. These figures include eight male and three female Europeans. The following synopsis of the census figures shows the distribution of the population in the various settlements : —
Housing. In my report on Mangaia I stated my reasons for regarding the purau house with leafthatched loof as the ideal one for Natives in these islands. Unfortunately, most of the houses in Aitutaki are built of concrete and usually of faulty design. Although more pretentious than the purau house, these concrete houses are undoubtedly less healthy. The window-space is almost invariably inadequate, the windows being small, low, and in many cases not made to open. In very many instances I found that where the window-panes were broken a sheet of galvanized iron had been placed over the window, or the windows boarded, up, thus shutting out light and air from the dark noisome interior. In other cases wings have been added to the original houses, so that the main rooms have only secondary lighting and ventilation.
Village. Over Th Yei lirtj -five a.rs. Betweej andTh i Fifteen irty-five. Under Yei Fifteen .rs. Euro leans. Totals. .rutanga . . teureu likaupara .muri 'aipae 'autu .raura School M. 31 61 19 46 37 21 F. 30 11 16 32 32 11 M. 46 15 22 60 31 27 9 F. 49 17 23 70 44 36 2 M. 43 16 19 54 32 12 49 F. 56 17 28 58 30 27 17 M, 6 1 F. 3 264 92 127 321 206 135 77 1 170 132 210 241 225 233 1,222
Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.
By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.
Your session has expired.