Anti-Tb Work In Fiji

THE report for the first year’s activities of the War Memorial Anti-Tubercu losis Fund of Fiji was issued in Suva in mid-June.

The Fund is Fiji’s war memorial and an appeal for funds from all sections of the Fiji community in 1949, plus a Gov ernment grant of £20.000, established the Fund with over £82,000. Since then in terest and donations have brought it up to £83,467.

During the first year, £8,388 was spent and orders placed for equipment not yet received total another £20,600.

Information supplied by Dr. J. M. Cruik shank, Fiji Director of Medical Services, shows that over 40,000 tests have been made for TB in a survey being carried out and as a result 9,000 inoculations of BCG vaccine were given.

From 1,500 X-Rays taken during a sur vey of three schools and several Govern ment departments, 5 active cases were discovered and are being treated.

Two Land Rover vehicles have been provided from the Fund for the use in rural areas of the two AMP’s who have been trained in the technique of treat ing discharged patients, giving tests and BCG vaccinations.

The Trustees of the War Memorial Anti- Tuberculosis Fund are Sir Hugh Ragg (chairman), Dr. J. M. Cruikshank, Mr.

R. S. Kay, Mr. Vishnu Deo, MLC, and Joeli Ravai, MLC. The secretary and treasurer is Mr. W. E. Donovan.

A rifle club has been formed in Rabaul.

Members will use the Police Force rifle range and later, it is hoped to arrange matches between clubs now established at Kokopo and Kavieng (New Ireland).