Zab
(Ponape District)
NGATIK
Ngatik Island, the seat of native government of Ngatik atoll, was in-.
spected 16 January, after arrival by U.S.S. LST-611 from Ponape Island.
There is no UeS. official on Ngatike The LST hove to off Ngatik Island,
and the inspection party went ashore via outrigger canoes, made of breadfruit trees and over 20 feet long. The party was met at the shore line by
what appeared to be the entire population, which numbers 268. The island
was inspected, with stops at the public school, the store, dispensary, and
the Protestant and Catholic churches, all of which were newly-built. Although it was Sunday and the public school was not in session, the pupils
were assembled in the schoolhouse and sang the U.S. National Anthem with
spirit and excellent harmony.
Ae
Administrative programe
(a)
Self-government.
The Chief Magistrate, Rudolph, was elected in July,
1948, as were his Assistant Chief, Wallis, and other
officials, in the first popular election held on Ngatike
The public buildings inspected had been constructed since
the election of the new officials. The native community
court was reported to be functioning satisfactorily, and
community finances and budget were reported, after audit,
to be in good order.
(>)
Health and sanitation.
(1) Health services are administered by a native health
aide who had been trained for five months in the CivAd main
dispensary at Ponape Island. The health aide was reported
by the community officials to be very capable.
The sub~
REPRODUCED FROM HOLDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
dispensary here is adequate, medical records were in good
order, and ample supplies were stocked.» Tuberculosis was
judged to be present in 4-5% of the population.
Yaws
appeared to be prevalent. Inergy and physical fitness of
the people compared favorably with other islands previously
inspected.
(2)
Sanitation generally was very good, and was reported
by the Field Trip Officer accompanying the inspection party
to have improved greatly since election of the new commun-
ity officials. The island was very well-kept throughout.
Renewal of screening is needed on some water catchments and
latrines.
(c)
Education.
There is a public elementary school, with an attendance
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pat