432 
PACIFIC SCIENCE, Vol. V, October, 1951 
News 
Dr. Joshua T. Tracey, Jr., Geologic Divi- 
sion, U. S. Geological Survey, has been 
designated chief of a field party which is 
undertaking a detailed geological survey of 
Guam, as a part of the Pacific Geologic 
Surveys program of the Military Geology 
Branch. He will be assisted by David B. 
Doan and Harold G. May. 
Simultaneously, Joseph W. Brookhart, 
Theodore Arnow, and Raymond Chum, of 
the Water Resources Division, U. S. Geo- 
logical Survey, are conducting a compre- 
hensive survey of the island’s water resources. 
To review the existing research and control 
programs for filariasis and elephantiasis, and 
to propose further measures for combating 
them, a conference of medical experts was 
held in Papeete from August 21 to September 
1, 1951. The first international gathering of its 
kind, it was organized by the South Pacific 
Commission as part of its program to promote 
the physical, economic, and social welfare of 
island peoples in the South Pacific. Nineteen 
specialists attended, representing Australia, 
England, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, 
United States, and Vietnam. Also attending 
were observers from medical and other insti- 
tutions in Tahiti. 
The three main objectives of the conference 
were: To define the various problems raised 
by filariasis and elephantiasis; to determine 
the research work to be continued or under- 
taken to solve these problems; and to recom- 
mend appropriate measures for the control of 
these diseases, with special reference to the 
social and economic conditions of the area. 
The conference was opened by His Excel- 
lency the Governor of French Oceania, M. 
Petitbon. Dr. Emil Massal, Executive Officer 
Notes 
for Health of the South Pacific Commission, I 
was elected chairman of the conference. i 
The conference proposed the following 
recommendations : 
The South Pacific Commission should act 
as a focal point for the area in the collection, j 
collation, and dissemination of technical data 
relating to these diseases. I 
Techniques now in use for controlling 
filariae- carrying mosquitoes should be re- j| 
viewed and their wider application con- ll 
sidered, using specially trained native per- 
sonnel. |! 
Research now being conducted in Tahiti, ' 
Samoa, and Fiji on the control of these j 
diseases by drugs should be continued and I 
intensified. | 
The Commission should establish a filariae 
collection of specimens of larvae and adult 
worms and of microfilariae in human blood 
samples, arrange for study of this material by 
parasitologists, and circulate the findings 
throughout the area. 
Detailed recommendations regarding the I 
collection, preservation, and identification of 
specimens and laboratory diagnosis for micro- 
filariae should be brought to the attention of 
member governments, territorial administra- 
tions, and all private institutions and indi- 
viduals interested in the problem. 
The Commission should act as a clearing 
house for posters, pamphlets, and other edu- 
cational material for use in the intensified 
campaign against these diesases. 
The findings of the conference will be con- 
sidered at the Eighth Session of the South . 
Pacific Commission, which will open at Com- 
mission headquarters in Noumea, New Cale- 
donia, during the last week in October. 
