CO885-(20-21) — Page 364

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

TILE C.O.8

885

21 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

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To the east of Lake Tanganyika no fly or evidence of the disease has been found beyond the limits described by Dr. Spillane in last year's report.

MWERU DISTRICT.

The former Mweru District, which was that part of the closed area extending from the Congo border on the north, and including the Mweru Game Reserve, to the Mununshi River on the south, has now been divided into two parts.

(1) The northern which, including the northern and eastern shores of the Lake, the Game Reserve, and the Luapula River, as far south as the Mwape Lagoon, has been placed in charge of Mr. W. H. Jollyman.

(2) The southern part is now included in the Kawambwa District. Much more definite information than is at present available is required both as to the distribu- tion of Glossina palpalis on the lake shore, islands, and on the northern part of the Luapula River, and as to the presence of cases of the disease other than those already known; at present the lake shore and neighbouring villages are being examined by Mr. Jollyman, who is working south from the border. Reports to date deal with the lake shore to some 20 miles south of Chienji Station.

Between Chienji and the Congo border Glossina palpalis were found on the Lunchinda River, both at its mouth and at the crossing of the Pweto Road; at two places on the lake shore, near the village of Kasembe; at the mouth of the Luao River (these fly seem strictly confined to the mouth of the river); and about two miles from Chienji Station, on the beach.

On the Belgian side of the Lunchinda River there are two villages in close proximity to fly. It has, I understand, been arranged with the Belgian authorities to alter the line of the border somewhere in the vicinity of this point, an alteration which will result in the inclusion of about a mile of this river and the greater part of that strip of land lying between the Lunchinda and Pweto, and including the above- mentioned villages in British territory. Pending the effective occupation of this, little can be done on the western side of the river, and it is probable that when occupation does take place many of the present inhabitants will leave the district and move into Belgian territory.

The Chienji-Pweto Road is used almost exclusively for A. L. C. traffic (which has been prohibited by water), and by missionaries passing from station to station- all carriers being changed at the border. This crossing is at present unsatisfactory The road runs for some 50-60 yards beside the river on the British side, and the clearing is inadequate, and I would strongly recommend that as soon as the land on the other side is occupied, and it becomes possible to make a rough survey of a more suitable route, the road should be completely diverted inland.

This

The fly at Kasembe Point constitutes a danger both at the village, where, although the clearing for fishing purposes seems effective, the natives do not confine themselves to it, and also, which is probably a greater danger and one more difficult to be met, in connection with the canoe traffic passing Kasembe Point. traffic occurs almost altogether between Kasembe's and Chipungu's villages, and I would suggest that this might be obviated by the amalgamation of these villages on a more suitable site. Round the Luao mouth the bush is thick and close to water. Fly is at present known for a distance of about a mile on each side; there is, how- ever, little or no traffic on this part of the lake. This and the danger zone round Kasembe Point have been pointed out to the Native Commissioner, who will doubt- less increase the stringency of his precautions with regard to water traffic.

No fly has been found on the Luao except at its mouth. The land round the crossing is mostly under cultivation, and the clearing adequate.

The other point at which fly have been found, to the north, was, unfortunately, only about two miles from the Boma buildings. It was first found here in July in some thick bush separated from waters by some 60-80 feet of absolutely bare sand. Two miles of extensive clearing, rendering the shore quite treeless, has been made in this direction from the station. The road, which formerly followed the beach for 5-6 miles, has been diverted inland, and that part of the shore prohibited to natives.

I do not consider that the danger is such as to justify the abandonment of the station.

South of Chienji fly has recently been located at two places at the Ifuna and Chipamba streams at their mouths; it is probable that this fly is not strictly local- ised to these points.

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The clearing round Kalombwe's villages is not satisfactory, but is now receiving

attention.

It seems quite impracticable, owing to the nature of the surrounding country, ite unsuitability for native habitation, the scarcity of water, the absence elsewhere of any possibility for these natives to obtain their staple article of diet, namely, fish, and finally the unwillingness of the native-which is generally demonstrated by a temporary removal of himself and his belongings into Belgian territory-to depopu- late this lake shore. The disease is endemic, and will remain so as long as infected persons remain.

The extent of its endemicity is, however, very slight, only one case being discovered through the extent of lake shore just described.

Owing to these difficulties, which render impracticable the depopulation of the lake, some scheme for the amalgamation of all villages on a few carefully selected, suitable sites might be considered when the results of a thorough re-examination during the wet season are known.

Mr. Jollyman's reports on his examination of the villages, and of an additional 385 men drawn from various points throughout the district who were examined while employed at clearing operations round Chienji, are attached. These results are not unsatisfactory, considering the great natural difficulties which have had to

be met.

A further report on the conditions obtaining on the southern part of the lake shore and the islands Kilwama and Sokwe will be submitted later.

The remainder of the Mweru district, which is thinly populated and mainly composed of the Mweru Game Reserve, does not give rise to any anxiety; no case of the disease has been found except in those villages in close proximity to the lake shore.

The total number of cases of trypanosomiasis found in this district up to the present amounts to 16. Three deaths have occurred in camp; one outside.

The Mukubwe, the Kalungwisi, and its tributary the Luangwa, examined last year by Mr. Neave with negative results, will be re-examined during the coming wet

The Chienji segregation camp has, with your Honour's approval, been trans- ferred to Kawambwa, and is now under the charge of Dr. Master.

season.

KAWAMBWA DIVISION.

This division was until recently the southern part of the Mweru Division; it extends from the Mwape Lagoon to the Mununshi River, is bounded on the west by the Luapula, and on the east by the eastern boundary of the closed area. It is now in charge of Dr. D. C. Master, who has been, with your Honour's approval, trans- ferred from Kasama.

An examination of the Luapula recently carried out by Dr. Dunbar Brunton has shown that the Glossina palpalis is abundant on this river from the Chipita mouth to Chilolo's village. (Dr. Brunton reports that he found on one occasion that these flies were active at daybreak, a point in the habits of the Glossina palpalis which I do not think has previously been recorded.)

The Congo village of Kafwimbe is built on the river bank, and is infested with fly.

North of the Chipita mouth no fly were found. The Congo bank of the river is here very thickly populated.

The Mununshi, Lufua, and Mbereshi rivers were examined, with a negative result.

No cases of trypanosomiasis were found.

Dr. Master will take charge of this district from January 1st, and will re- examine the Luapula south of Chilolo's and its tributaries for Glossina palpalis, and will continue the palpation of all natives in this area.

All the villages on the Ngoma, Mbereshi, Lundi, and Chungu streams have recently been visited and 2,215 natives examined, with a negative result both as regards trypanosomiasis and glandular enlargement.

The total number of cases admitted to the Chienji camp from this and the present Mweru Division amounts to 16, amongst whom four deaths have occurred There are at present four patients in the camp. The remainder deserted into Longo territory.

• Not received in Colonial Office.