New Doctor for Kaitaia

Northland Age, Volume 15, Issue 33, 23 May 1946, Page 1

New Doctor for Kaitaia

Dr. Montague Talks of Experiences in Fiji “If you can take things easy, Fiji is a very pleasant place to live in, but once you have to work hard, and often do the work of two men, the climate is too trying,” said'Dr. N. Montague in conversation With an “Age” representative yesterday. Dr. Montague, who was born in Fiji, has spent the greater part of his life there. In association with Dr. J. Webber, Dr. Montague will commence his practice as soon as he is properly settled in Kaitaia. Wanganui College was responsible for Dr. Montague’s secondary education, and his medical studies were done in England. For 13 years he was with the Colonial Medical Service, covering the whole of Fiji, and on his resignation Dr. Montague commenced a practice of his own. The Fijians are a fine race, very good patients, and they suffer from the usual types of diseases associated with New Zealanders. Indians, who make up a large percentage of the population, are the trouble and their main complaints are syphilis and dirt, said Dr. Montague. Contrary to general opinion, the health of Europeans in Fiji is very good. There are very few tropical - diseases, and many of the white lives to a ripe old age. The plentiful supply of fruit is advantageous to the good health of the ratives and the Europeans, he continued. Students come from many Pacific Islands to attend a special four-year medical course in Suva, and according to Dr. Montague the standard of native medical practitioners: is excellent, while the Fijian girls as nurses are very capable. Although the British Government is responsible for medical supplies to Fiji, Dr. Montague said that New Zealand’s interest, is definitely increasing. New Zealand nurses are being supplied, and already there are several New Zealand doctors practising in Fiji. The idea is to eventually staff all the hospitals with New Zealanders. Mr. J. W. Hoskin, Chairman of the Hospital Board, expressed the sentiments of many when he welcomed Dr. Montague to the district and said “that a load had been lifted from the Board’s shoulders,” as another doctor was definitely required in the North.