NEGLECT OF THE SICK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18121, 20 June 1922, Page 6

NEGLECT OF THE SICK.

CONDITIONS AT RABAUL. CRITICISM BY VISITOR. Criticism of the alleged neglect of the administration in not providing sufficient facilities for the treatment of sickness in the mandated territory of New Guinea was made by Mr. Makin, M.P., who returned to Mellxmrne recently from a visit to the Islands. Mr. Makin said that it was ridiculous to expect that tfce development of the resources of the territory, the care of the -natives, and ample provision Cor the protection of the health of the people could be financed from the revenue at present received. Not only was the mandated territory passing through a most difficult period of transition owing to the change of administration, but it was also suffering a severe handicap because of the unfavourable market* for copra. It had been necessary to restrict public tixpenditure in consequence of the reduced revenue. When leaving Rabaul he was informed that the Publio Works Department was closing down. " This policy of financial restriction," Mr. Makin continued, " is impairing the | health of the residents in the territory. I The Europeans are exposed to great danger because of the unsuitable hospital accommodation, and the scarcity of medical supplies. At Rabaul it has been officially stated that 25 per cent, of the members of the Civil Service are absent from duty J through malaria, while 90 per cent, of the natives had had, or are suffering from, a ; complaint which causes them to break out |in ulcers, and, if neglected, is liable to cauHo serious physical disabilities. At [Kaewieng the resident doctor, in his | latest report, complains of being in pos- ' session of only 12 new bandages, and that ihis patients during one week had to live |on green bananas and tinned meat, Last jyear, at Manus (Admiralty Islands), a doctor was required to perform an operajtion on a young man whoisis hand, which hod been seriously injured in an explosion, had become septic. As no suitable surgi- | c.Vi instrument was available, the doctor lofe Jned an engineer's hack-saw, with i which he amputated the man's arm. The died two hours later. The hospital at Madang is an absolute disgrace. The surroundings are impoverished and uninviting,' and the supply of surgical appliances is inadequate. The chief medical department at Rabaul is always working on unduly limited supplies, -and orders from district stations are seldom fully complied with."