GOODWILL MISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12905, 4 July 1936, Page 8

GOODWILL MISSION

INQUIRY INTO HOSPITAL WORK IN SAMOA. CONCERN OVER. INFANT MORTALITY. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). APIA, July 2. The goodwill mission from New Zealand visited the public hospital at Apia to-day aud found that the chief medical officer, Mr P. J. Monaghan, and liis staff were rendering most valuable service under very difficult conditions. The visitors were particularly impressed with the need for some outlay in the prevision 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 liis 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, the lion. F. Langstone, is concerned at the comparatively high infant mortality rate in Samoa. 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. 11l the afternoon tile party visited and was entertained at the M arise Brothers School which is controlled by Brother Bernardino and an efficient staff. Later an inspection was made of the prison and the hydroelectric works, both of which were commented cm favorably by Mr Langstone aud Mr J. O'Brien. The delegation leaves to-morrow on a tour of the outlying districts, and will return to Apia on Sunday. The weather is brilliantly line and the New Zealanders aro finding the heat very trying.