Measles Without Fun
p. 17 · Read in the full issue
Prom Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, Aug. 17.
ANOTHER outbreak of measles, of a mors serious type than that experi enced in 1938, has occurred in Raro tonga. Such a disease is rendered dan gerous in this population owing to the natives’ habit, when running a fever, of bathing in the sea to cool down. Wide spread propaganda, however, has induced a more respectful outlook and, with all churches, schools, etc., closed, the inci dence is not alarming.
During the last measles epidemic an emergency hospital and quarantine sta tion were established at the Avarua School, which was then christened “Makogai.” The youths and girls, being separately confined in buildings only a few yards apart, dancing, singing and sports occupied the time of the convales
cents in spite of regulations, and it can safely be said that “a good time was had by all.”
In this instance, however, patients, with their immediate household, are con fined to their homes, and the “Maki Pupu” is not such good fun.
Wallace Kienzle, son of a well-known planter of Papua—he planted rubber in the Kokoda Valley prior to the Jap in vasion—has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He is a machine-gunner in the AIF in the Middle East.
Western Samoa has been without a Judge since the departure of Chief Judge W. C. Harley, many months ago. The Crown Solicitor, Mr. J. B. Herd, has been appointed Acting Chief Judge. As there is a shortage of magistrates in New Zea land, there is little hope of a new Chief Judge being appointed.