Gilbertese Entering

Mass Movement

The Solomons

What amounts to a mass move ment of population is taking place in the western Solomons. Gilbertese from the now over-populated Fhoenix group are being transported by the Government to the under populated west Solomons.

OVER 160 Gilbertese natives have been settled on Titiana Island recently, in a model village; and the migration movement is con tinuing with up to £25,000 being Dffered for islands suitable for settle ment.

The Gilbertese (accustomed always to atoll life) are reported to be settling down fairly well, in spite af some dietary differences. The Grilbertese are basically eaters of ;aro, fish and coconuts, and difficulty has been experienced in providing a. sufficient supply of coconuts. They lequire a minimum intake of 5 per 3ay per head.

They are suffering considerably from malaria —they come from a malaria-free country.

They are, too, highly susceptible :o the minor European ailments, narticularly influenza, and 80 per >ent. of hospital admissions are from the immigrants.

Lever Bros. Ltd. is disposing of some of its properties, and further waves of Gilbertese immi grants are expected.

"Diet Trouble"

Mr. R. Hill, retiring Director of Agriculture for the West Solomons, who is on his way back to England after completing a two-year-term Df office, thinks that the main trouble with Gilbertese migrants s their introduction to the “white man’s diet”—white flour, white sugar, polished rice and tinned meats. Their natural diet is upset, le says; they become susceptible to iisease; and the ease with which :hey can procure the prepared foods makes them lazy.

An additional factor is the relative scarcity of taro in the Solomon Islands.

It was practically wiped out on Ghoiseul, the Shortlands and Vella La Vella by a disease introduced from Japan in sweet potatoes; and, although the Gilbertese brought their own variety of taro with them, mough is not being produced for their full requirements.

However, he said, taro is being slowly reintroduced into those islands and should eventually take its former important place in the native diet.

This building, a combination of native and European architecture, is the meeting house in Honiara, BSIP, of the Guadalcanal Coun cil. Members of the council are natives.