The Curse Of The South
p. 34 · Read in the full issue
Seas
HOW long- has the mosquito been known in the Pacific Islands?
The torturing, stinging, disease-carry ing pest is now found everywhere; but there is evidence that, a couple of hundred years ago, it was practically unknown.
Herman Melville, in Chapter 29 of “Typee,” said that the mosquito was known then only in the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) and at one or two of the Society Islands (Tahiti). Mosquitoes were not then known in the Marquesas, where Mel ville lived. “The mosquitoes,” said Mel ville, “were accidentally introduced to the South Seas by Europeans and may yet be come a great pest.”
Dr. R. W. Cooper, of the Health Depart ment in New Guinea, returned to the Territory from long leave by the Mon toro from Sydney on July 29. Accom panying him were his wife and two daughters, Hilary and Cynthia.