A—3

Eilariasis is most prevalent in Rarotonga and Aitutaki; a mosquito-control scheme was inaugurated in Aitutaki in October, 1945, and this voluntary campaign has greatly reduced the mosquito pest there. In Rarotonga the educational propaganda commenced by Dr. E. P. Ellison has been carried on by his successor, and further measures are being taken towards the control of the mosquito pest there. The Chief Medical Officer periodically inspects all general health and sanitary arrangements in the villages, the water-supplies and intakes, and general village cleanliness. Regular inspections of the schools are made by a Native medical practitioner and by the District Nurse. The erection of the tuberculosis sanatorium at Rarotonga has been completed, and the sanatorium was officially opened on 13th December, 1945. The first patients were admitted in January, 1946, and there were eight undergoing treatment at 31st March, 1946. The child welfare organization has continued its good work and Native interest in child welfare is being maintained at a high level. This important work is controlled by the District Nurse under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer. All school-children in Rarotonga have received regular dental treatment, and the Dental Officer visited Aitutaki and Mangaia, where he inspected all the school-children and gave necessary treatment. The Dental Officer returned to New Zealand in November on the completion of his term of service, and his replacement is now awaited. Meantime, the Dental Nurse is continuing the treatment of school-children in Rarotonga. There are three students at the Central Medical School, Suva, one of whom is in his final year of training as a Native medical practitioner. One Cook Island ex-student, who graduated with distinction from the school at the end of 1939, enlisted for active service immediately on reaching New Zealand and proceeded to the Middle East in 1940. After serving overseas for over three years he returned to New Zealand and was granted a war concession bursary at the Otago Medical School, where he is now in his third year. Dr. E. P. Ellison, 0.8. E., retired on superannuation after sixteen years of service as Chief Medical Officer, and returned to New Zealand in December, 1945. The distribution of medical and nursing staff throughout the Group is as follows : Rarotonga — Two European medical officers. Two Native medical practitioners. One Matron. One Sister in Charge (sanatorium). Two European Sisters. Nine Native nurses (hospital). Eight Native nurses (sanatorium). Aitutaki— One Native medical practitioner. One Native nurse. One Native trainee. Atiu — One Native nurse. Mauke — One Native nurse. Mangaia— One Native medical practitioner. One Native nurse. Penrhyn— One Native medical practitioner. Manihiki — One Native medical practitioner.

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