Seven Deaths In Fiji

Dysentery Outbreak.

Prom Our Own Correspondent

Suva, Mar. 3.

NAVUA district has experienced a serious dysentery outbreak, chiefly confined to Indians and natives. Accord ing to the Medical Department there were about 80 cases, seven of which were fatal.

Residents of the district have levelled severe criticism at the Medical Depart ment, alleging that there was delay in taking steps to combat the outbreak.

They said that though certain areas where the disease was rife were quar antined, the natives failed to observe this. The result was that the disease continued to spread.

The Indian Medical Practitioner in Navua had his hands full, and residents are full of praise for his work. Since the matter has been brought to the Government’s notice, an N.M.P. and a European sanitary inspector have been sent there. Native nurses have also gone to look after patients admitted to the temporary hospital, established in the school.

Sergeant Major S. H, Elliott, Cameronions (Scottish Rifles), arrived in Suva by the “Tainui” on February 26 to take up an appointment with the Fiji Defence Force in place of Regi mental Sergeant Major W. Verona, who recently returned to England.

Mr. James Arming, Head Attendant of the Public Lunatic Asylum, returned to Suva after leave spent in England by the “Tainui”- late in February.

Mr. E. Moline has joined the Papuan Public Service as a clerk in the Native Labour Office at Samarai.