New Caledonia's
pp. 31-32 · Read in the full issue
Natives
TTHE Bulletin clu Gonitoierce, Noumea, * in a recent issue, directs attention to an interesting development—namely, the steady increase in the number of natives in New Caledonia. The figures are as follows: 1931 27,867 1934 28,307 1932 27,966 1935 28,469 1933 28,063 1936 28,596
The newspaper Says that the natural increase in the population is due chiefly to measures which have been taken by the Administration during the past 10 years—mainly the good work of the medi cal service—which have resulted in a de limitation of contagious sickness. The medical services have had to fight vene real diseases, alcoholism, leprosy, and ignorance; but slowly and gradually the natives are being taught to live under more sanitary and hygienic conditions, and to observe the necessary and simple rules of health.
High Talking Chief Leoso, of Leone, American Samoa, who was one of the signers of the Deed of Cession in 1890, died recently. His death reduced the signers of the Cession still alive to three.
Other deaths recorded in recent months in Eastern Samoa have been High Chief Satele (District Governor of the Western Division) and High Chief Letuli, who had served 30 years in the Fita Fita Guard and the U.S. Naval Reserve.