MALARIA IN PACIFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24536, 19 March 1943, Page 2

MALARIA IN PACIFIC

I Various statements made in the I debate on manpower are bound to ! give rise to concern for the health of I sailors, soldiers and airmen serving on the Pacific front. So far as the 3rd Division is concerned, Mr. Coates was able to report the men were "well and happy." That accords with the common report that New Caledonia is free of malaria. Happily, the Prime Minister has confirmed the report without qualification. Of course, (he new combat status of the division may cause its transfer to less salubrious islands. The Government possesses data on the wastage entailed by climate in the Pacific battle area. Mr. Coates, for instance, says the Government has worked out the replacement requirements. The Minister of Health went further. He said it was not intended that any forces should remain for any length of time in a malariainfested area. Mr. Nordmeyer added that a change might have to be made twice a year. This statement has a sufficiently ominous sound, but Mr. Holland shortened the period of replacement to four months. Speaking with particular reference to the Solomons sector, Mr. Fraser said four months, or possibly three, was the period for which men could be retained there. After a tour of duty in the combat zone, New Zealand troops would have to come back to the Dominion. From all this, it is clear that the authorities are paying due regard to the physical demands made by the special conditions of service in the Pacific. If the Government can give any further reassurance, or if it can publish additional information calculated to dissipate or discount exaggerated accounts of health conditions, it would perform an appreciable service.