(Ponape District)
MOKIL
Mokil Island, the seat of native government for Mokil atoll, was inspected on 14 January, following the arrival of the inspection party off the
island in U.S.S. ROQUE (AG 137) the evening of the thirteenth.
Passage
ashore was made in five 22-foot "Mokil" pulling whaleboats, which were
built by the natives following blueprints provided by the Navy. The party
was met at the village stone pier by a welcoming throng, and was greeted in
salute with "The Star Spangled Banner” sung excellently by the assembled
school children.
Inspection was made of the village, with stops at the
council house (also the schoolhouse), church, and many of the 33 thatched-
roof boat houses fronting the lagoon. A number of well-executed dances,
with accompanying singing, ‘were staged in most pleasing fashion by the
school children, in costumes, followed by two warrior dances to the "drum"
music beaten on empty 5—gallon cans vigorously and in rhythm by the older
women of the village. A mid-day feast was spread for the party on white
damask table cloth, and American songs, with a considerable range of titles,
oo
neigh
were sung with pleasant harmony by mixed choral groups during this repast.
Prior to our departure, two sailing races were staged inside the lagoon for .
the party, five outrigger canoes participating in each race, with thrills
sufficient for any sailing enthusiast.
The hospitality and friendliness
of the Mokil people can not be described in a few words,
A.
Administrative program,
(a) Self-government..
The Chief Magistrate, "August" Joel, is intelligent and
competent, and has served as the atoll leader since 1941,
The commnity numbers 32] in population, and is industrious,
The council meets in the schoolhouse,
Health and sanitation.
(1)
Health services are administered by a native health
aide, who is assisted in sanitation measures by a second
native health aide, Daily outpatient visits number 3 to 5.
Medical records and supplies were satisfactory. The general
nutrition and physique of the population were above the
average, Dental caries appeared less marked than in most
other islands visited.
(2)
Sanitation was very good.
The village area and the
buildings, homes, roadways and paths are well-kept,
(c)
we
REPRODUCED FROM HOLDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
!
(b)
Education.
There is a public elementary school with 128 oupils, The
four teachers are competent, and are leaders. The schoolhouse
is of native type construction, is very clean, adequate in
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PE.