Tab
bee
(Ponape District)
PINGELAP
;
Pingelap Island, the seat of native government for Pingelap atoll, was
inspected on 13 January, after arrival by U.S.S. ROQUE (AG-137) from Kusaie.
There is no U.S. official on Pingelap. The inspection party landed in outrigger canoes and was greeted with the singing of "America" by what appeared
to be the entire population of 671. The village was inspected, with stops
at the church, school, dispensary and the council house. Requests for
building and fishing material were received from the council, which later
were transmitted to the Civil Adninistrator, Ponape District.
The inspec-
tion partywas entertained with a Carolinian singing and stick dance by 48
young warriors in colorful costumes. No subsequent entertainment during
the inspection tour of the Trust Territory approached this performance in
melody, rhythm or precision.
Ae
Adninistrative program.
(a)
Self-government.
The Chief Magistrate, Tiksolomon, has been the acknowled~
ged leader of Pingelap for 30 years, and appeared capable, as
did the assistant Chief Magistrate, Egen. The council members
were alert and were most friendly to the members of the inspection party.
The council house measured approximately 45!
:
eet
by 60', with massive hand-sawn timber supports, cross-beams
and rafters, a high, thatched roof, open sides, and coral
floor.
(b)
Health and sanitation.
(1) Health services are administered by a health aide.
Medical supplies are obtained in adequate quantity from the
CivAd Unit at Ponape. Medical records were kept in good order.
The general nutrition of the inhabitants appeared to be goode
Leprosy has been rather prevalent, seven cases having been
REPROUULCED FROM HOLDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
t
transferred to the Trust Territory leprosarium on Tinian,
with two recently-diagnosed cases awaiting transfer.
dental treatment is needed.
the Report.)
(2)
Some
(See recommendation, page Hof
Sanitation has received recent attention by the natives.
The overall appearance of the village area, huts, trails and
roadways was excellent.
Well-constructed screened latrines
have been recently completed.
Garbage and refuse is either
burned or buried. DDT spray is used. The fresh water supply
is adequate. Further attention to screening and to gravity
outlets for cisterns is recommended,
(c)
Education.
There is a public elementary school, with 152 pupils.
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