Leprosy In Cook Group
p. 40 · Read in the full issue
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, Sept. 3.
NOTWITHSTANDING modern and in creased medical services, the scourge of leprosy is apparently not decreas ing in the Cook Islands.
A recent trip of the CJ. schooner “Tiare Taporo” took 12 lepers from Aitutaki to the concentration island at Penrhyn, there to await removal to Makogai (Fiji). Although Aitutaki has the highest leper rate in the Cook Group, it is reported that two or three persons in Rarotonga are now under observation.
John Numa, a Suva-trained Native Medical Practitioner, who has been in charge of the Penrhyn leper station for the past 3a years, came to Rarotonga by the return trip of the “Tiare Taporo”.
Another Suva graduate, Tu Nia Rua, has taken his place. Altogether, the work of these native trainees is of inestimable value; one hopes that their fine services will be adequately rewarded by increased prospects for advancement.
Miss W. Shearman, daughter of Mr.
Herbert Shearman, of Rarotonga arrived in New Zealand recently from the Cook Islands by the “Matua”.