Tab A
(Palau District
WOLEAI
(Cont'd)
of 33 pupils. The schoolhouse is inadequate in size for this
enrollment, and had few supplies. The native teacher was
alert, but insufficiently trained. The Chief desired building
materials to improve the schoolhouse construction and appear—
It was the opinion of the inspectors that schooling on
ance.
Woleai Island was not receiving as much encouragement from the
local governing officials as in other islands of the Trust
Territory. This seeming neglect may be understandable when
viewed in relation to the people's struggle for improvement
in existence.
(d)
Religion.
There is no church on Woleai Island. The Chief is the
religious leader, and desires that a church be constructed
saulehetth
when building materials become available.
(e)
Economic developmente
The chief export from Woleai Island to date has been coir
.
“sehors
retot
-rope, which can be made from the young coconut trees, and
from coconut tree materials obtained from other islands in
the atoll. In the last field trip (October 1948), 50,100
feet of this rope was purchased from the natives for $83.50.
A small number of banana-fiber mats have been made and
sold by the natives, and small sales of sea shells also have
been consummated, both to the ‘iestern Carolines Wholesale
Company
Coconut tree plantings have been made im quantity, and
these trees will be due to bear in another five years.
The
planting coconuts have been brought in from the Palaus and
Yap by field trip ships, and also have been obtained by the
Seta
vee
REPRODUCED FROM HOLDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
villagers from other more fortunate islands of Woleai atoll,
particularly from Falalusi (Falalis) island.
Breadfruit and pandanus tree plantings likewise have
been brought in, and many of these trees should bear in
another yeare
Taro has been bearing and providing, food, numerous patches
having been planted in the many bomb craters scarring the
island.
Other food includes yams, bananas, fish, chickens,
pigs, and coconuts from other islands of the atoll.
The
villagers have constructed a few fish traps -- the largest
seen during this inspection of the Trust Territory —— and use
them with success inside and outside the lagoon.
Fishing
tackle for trolling was requested.
Early visit of a staff agriculturist to Woleai and the
other inhabited eastern atolls of the Western Carolines is
recommended.
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eet