SAMOA’S NEEDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 182, 3 July 1936, Page 9

SAMOA’S NEEDS

BETTER HOSPITAL FACILITIES. DELEGATES’ INSPECTION. VERY HOT WEATHER. (From the Special Representative of the United Press Association with the Ministerial Delegation.) Received July 3, 8.55 a.m. APIA, July 1. The goodwill 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 a most valuable service under very difficult conditions, particularly in view of the fact that no improvement has been made to the .institution tor a number of years. 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 special care and attention of children who are weak at birth.

The Minister (Hon. F. Langstone) is concerned at the comparatively high infant mortality rate here. The delegation were impressed with the results being obtained from the system adopted by the Administration of sending Samoan youths to Suva for trailing in hospital work. In the afternoon the party visited, and were entertained at the Marist Brothers’ School, which is completely controlled by Brother Bernardine and a very efficient staff. Later an inspection was made of the prison and hydroelectric works, both of which were commented on favourably by MY Langstone and Mr J. O’Brien M.P.

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.