Practitioners.

B.S.I. Native Medical

These are the type of young men who are be ing trained in Suva for medical work among the natives of Fiji, Solomons, New Heb rides, Cook Islands, etc. Australian newspapers, with characteristic complacent ignorance, refer red to them recently as “Dr.” So-and-So. They may not call themselves “doctor”; but they are entitled to place after their names the let ters “N.M.P.” (Native Medical Practitioner).

The system is working admirably, and is sup ported by all the Administrations, except those controlled by Australia. Australia, for some reason, remains coldly aloof. A few young na tives have been sent from Papua to Sydney Medical School for instruction; but the New Guinea Administration, in the manner so typi cal of it, appears to have done nothing whatever to train young native meh for regular work in the native villages.

Photos, by May Moore, sydney.

TOP: Geoffrey Kuper, N.M.P,, has returned to the Solomons after an excellent record in the Suva Medical School, and probably will prac tise on Malaita. He is a young man of attrac tive personality, and speaks good English. His father is a well-known trader in the Group.

BOTTOM: William Tela, from Maravovo School, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, is the first Malaita boy to be selected for training at the Suva Medical School.