Malaria?

Do Gumtrees Kill

Interesting Theory tor Melanesia

Letter to the Editor.

DURING the past twelve months or so, letters have appeared in the Sydney daily press under the title of “Leaves of Healing”. The leaves referred to are those of Australian eucalyptus trees. These trees have been transplanted to Southern Europe, India, Palestine, Africa, and South America. Why?

According to the correspondents, it was because they present a two-edged sword to the scourge of malaria, by reason of the fact that they not only kill the germ, but also drain the swamps and stagnant pools in which the malarial mosquito breeds.

Is tips so? One writer claims that marshy, useless parts of Italy have been turned into useful, cultivable land through the planting of gum trees. Another asserts that Lord Roberts was instrumental, 40 years ago, in having young trees and seeds taken from Australia and planted in India. When those trees matured, malaria was conquered. A month ago, a promin

ent Zionist leader who had just arrived in Sydney from Palestine, publicly acknow ledged a debt to Australia for the euca lyptus trees which had ridden the Holy Land of malaria.

Of course, Australian bush dwellers have long testified to the delightful, healthy incense which emanates from gum trees, making life among them the healthi est in the world. Aborigines have taught us that beds of the leaves are good for back and chest complaints, and who does not know the value of eucalyptus oil?

That, at least, has been commercially proved.

However, if these are trees of healing, why don’t we plant th,em in New Guinea and rid that territory of malaria? Surely this is a chance to be a “good neighbour” indeed. It is quite possible tnat the germi cidal properties of these tiny particles of volatile oil, which are said to exude from the eucalyptus leaves, do slay the mal aria germs. In any case, we need not act in th,e dark, because the Council for Scientific Research at Canberra can give guidance.

It is certain, however, that many coun tries have thought it well worth while to introduce our lovely gums to their soil— and the question remains—why? Maybe it is only because their thirsty roots have such an affinity for water, that they find and absorb the moisture that causes marshy ground. If so, then even to this extent, it seems, Australia can serve New Guinea well by doing a little gardening up North—and turning useless, germ breeding ground into useful land.

Sincerely hoping there is something for New Guinea in the idea.

I am etc.

Beatrice Phillips.

500 George Street, Sydney, September 7, 1938.

The scheduled cruises of H.M.A.S. “Can berra” and “Sydney” to Papua, New Guinea, and New Hebrides were cancelled on September 1, owing to out breaks of scarlet fever on the “Sydney” and measles and mumps on the “Can berra”.

Rabaul Electricity, Ltd., made a net pro fit of £2,250 for the year ended June 30. compared with £2,271 for 1936-37. Dividend of 91 per cent, requires £2.098, and £2,854 is carried forward against £2,702 brought into the accounts. Consumers at June 30 numbered 495 —an increase of 41. The board has considered applying for the rights to generate and distribute electricity at the new capital site, when a decision has been finally made.