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11. SOCIAL CONDITIONS A. Social Problems of Race and Cultural Relations Due to their isolation there is no problem resulting from the presence of a mixed blood section of the community. The traditional Polynesian subsistence economy assures the islanders of economic security, though as mentioned in other parts of this report the diet provided by the somewhat limited resources of these atolls gives some cause for concern, particularly with the nutrition of the younger sections of the community. The South Pacific Commission has instituted a project on coral atolls, and it is expected that the Tokelau Islands will benefit to a considerable extent as a result of these researches. Some overpopulation is apparent in one of the atolls, Fakaofo, but this situation can be met by the establishment of a village on another islet in the atoll. The matter is receiving attention. B. Labour and Employment Conditions The Tokelau Islanders are entirely dependent on their subsistence agriculture and fishing activities. Copra and some Native curios provide the islanders with sufficient cash incomes for their needs. The islanders are allowed to visit Samoa under a permit system and while there are generally cared for by the missions. C. Public Health and Sanitation Problems and Organization The incidence of disease in the Group is slight, the major medical problem being that of filariasis which is carried by the vector, aedes psuedoscutelaris. In common with other problems associated with the Group, medical administration has been hampered up to the present by the lack of a suitable vessel calling at the islands, but the threemonthly seaplane connection between Apia and the atolls has provided some means of keeping abreast of the medical position. The medical services are at present administered from Western Samoa, and the Director of Health, Western Samoa, has shown a keen interest in the problems of the area. He usually arranges to be in the atolls every three months, and is frequently accompanied by the surgical specialist, the pharmacist, or his assistant. Water-supply As in most coral atolls the problem of water storage is a fairly serious one in the Group. Water-tanks and wells are provided, and with the completion of the building programme additional catchment areas and tanks will provide improved sources of supply. Sewage Disposal Good sanitary conditions prevail and it is possible to place latrines over deep water. Expenditure Expenditure for public health for the year ended 31st March, 1950, totalled £1,660. Medical Facilities Each of the atolls has a hospital building which is not considered completely satisfactory and is being replaced with a standard type dispensary as soon as suitable transport for the materials to the atolls can be arranged.

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