MAKOGAI ISLAND

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 139, 16 June 1927, Page 12

MAKOGAI ISLAND

GOOD WORK DONE

AN OFFICIAL VISIT

CUBES OF LEPKOSY

Through the courtesy of His Excellency the -Governor of Fiji, Sir Eyre Hutson, K.C.M.G., a visit to Makogai wf i recently made by Sir George Richardson, Administrator ..of Western Samoa, for the purpose of seeing the Samoan lepers under treatment at Dalice, the leper institution for the South Seas. In his report to the Government, Sir George Bichardson makes the following interesting remarks:—

"Makogai is one of the many smaller islands of the Fiji Group. It is eighteen miles from Lovuka, the former capital of Fiji. It is a beautiful and very healthy volcanic, island. Its highest point J» 870 feet, and it is about 2J miles long and 11 miles wide. The.area is 400 acres, a portion of which is planted in coconuts and other- food plantations. ■

"It is ideal for the purpose for which it is used, because the-patients from all the tropical islands served by this leper institution can, and do, live under conditions similar to the life they have been accustomed to in their own' villages. Those who are able, do light work in their plantations and villages, an.l, devote a portion of their leisure to fishing and amusements as well as useful occupations organised by the staff. . ' . ■ .'■

"The island was first established by the Fijian Government for Fiji lepers 1 only, but latterly it has been extended into an important centre for dealing with all lepers in the South Sea Island's under British control. This arrangement: will be in the interests of economy and better treatment for those who are unfortunately afflicted with leprosy, for sufficient medical officers who have specialised in the study and treatment of that disease could not be obtained fo.r a number of leper stations, although it is possible to secure for one institution the services of the required n imber of medical practitioners who are prepared to sacrifice and isolate themselves on Makogai for the good of their fellowmen. s. OVER ONE HUNDRED CUBES. "It is certainly cheaper for the various Administrations to contribute towards, the upkeep of their patients at Makogai, than to maintain separate iustatutions. The success of Makogai is proved by the fact that over 100 cases have been cured since the hospital was established there. At the present time there are about 400 cases under treatment, including Europeans and halfcastes, Maoris and Cook Islanders, Samoans, Fijians, Rotumans, Indians, and Chinese.

"Those able to help themselves live in separate siriall villages consisting of specially constructed and very comforable houses, which are located under ideal surroundings. ; The more advanced cases are treated in hospital wards of the central institution of Daliee. An ice plant and bakery is established on the island, and fresh meat, bread, and European foods are supplied to the patients in addition to their native food. There is a store on the island where patients can purchase practically everything they need. "Tho staff consists of a medical officer, who is, a specialist in the treatment of leprosy, and an assistaut, also twelve European and eight native Sisters of the Marist Order of the Catholic Church. Too much praise cannot be bostowed upon these ladies, who have given up their lives to this great work Oj. behalf of the sufferers. Their work is hard, for they have to attend daily to t"e dressings and treatment of the patients, and supervise their general welfare, yet they are perfectly happy and devoted to their duties, which to them, is a work of love.

"I was very sorry to see that about twenty-five children have been admitted as lepers, but their cases are not hopeless, and they attend school and acquire education from the Sisters to prepare them for the day when they will be discharged as cured. "My visit apparently gave pleasure to the patientß, for as our launch approached the island after dark, the beach was illuminated with bonfires and torches, which were being waved by the lepers who had assembled to show their respect and pleasure at being visited by a representative from Samoa. ■ > A SPLENDID INSTITUTION. "The following morning the whole of the patients who were able to walk assembled on the village green and accorded me a welcomej the Fijians and Samoans both presenting me with addresses of welcome in which they expressed their entire satisfaction with the treatment they received from their Governments and from their local medical officers and staff. They especially mentioned their love for the Rev. Mother and Sisters who attended to their wants with love and tender care.

"After conversing with a number of the patients—Europeans and natives— I am; perfectly satisfied that Makogai is a splendid institution, deserving of every possible support of the Government and the people. I was pleased to be able to return to Samoa with one patient who had been cured in Makogai —a chief named Tuatagaloa, who is also a faipule. This chief" has expressed himself to all Samoa as exceedingly grateful for the kind arid good treatment he and all the patients have received, and urged his people to support the policy of Samoa contributing its share towards the maintenance of Makogai Leper Station. •■ _'' The Eev. Mother brought to my notice that some financial assistance was needed to make a road around a part of the island, and also for the erection of a building to be used as an entertainment hall and for the cinema installation. I feel sure that the Governments concerned will bear their fair share of this or any other essential expenditure for the improvement of this important institution. Since my return to Samoa, the faipules have agreed to get their people to present a fishing boat to the Samoan section of Makogai aud to call it 'Alofa Samoa.' It occurred to me that perhaps a similar present would be appreciated by tho Maoris and Cook Islanders from their ow people." Subscriptions towards tho erection of the entertainment hall may be forwarded to the Secretary, Cook Islands Department, Wellington, or to.Dean Eegnault, Mission House, Golder's Hill, Wellington.