SAMOAN MISSION

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 July 1936, Page 8

SAMOAN MISSION

VISITS OF INSPECTION.

[BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

(From the Special Representative of the United Press Association, with the Ministerial Delegation). (Recd. July 3, 11 a.m.). APIA, July 1.

The delegation visited the public hospital at ‘Apia, to-day, and found that the chief medical officer, Dr. P. J. Monaghan, and his staff, were .rendering most valuable service under very difficult conditions, particularly the fact that no improvement has been made to the institution for a number of years, and there is urgent need for some outlay in the provision of more suitable buildings, and other facilities to meet the growing requirements' of the island. The chief medical officer is anxious to accelerate his hospital work in the outlying villages, and is shaping his organisation accordingly. One of the things requiring immediate attention is the establishment of a post-natal clinic for the special care and attention of children who are weak at birth. The Minister is concerned at the comparatively high infant mortality rate here.

The delegation was impressed with the results being obtained from the system adopted by the Administration

of sending Samoan youths to Suva for training in hospital work.

In the afternoon, the party visited and was entertained at the Marist Brothers’ School, which is competently controlled by Brother Bernardine and a. very efficient staff. Later, an inspection was made of the prison and the hydro-electric works, both of which were commented on favourably by Messrs. Langstone and O’Brien. The delegation are leaving to-mor-row on a. tour of the outlying districts, and will return to Apia on Sunday. The weather is brilliantly fine, and the New Zealanders are finding the heat very trying.