- £95.00
Fiji. (United States). 1949. Envelope written from 'Fiji Leprosy Hospital, Makogai, Fiji' addressed to New York bearing SG 270, 2 1/2d green tied by Makogai/ Fiji date stamp '13th Oct 49', underpaid, routed via Suva with double circle 'T/ 10' Hand-stamp in violet with bold 'Postage Due 4 Cents/ Seattle, Wash' in violet on face and bearing United States postage dues SG D704, 2c carmine (pair) cancelled by 'pre cancel' New York roller.
The Suva tax hand-stamp is known from (23.11.48) - (1.7.50).
Makogai is a volcanic island about 40 miles east of Vitu Levu. In 1911 Fiji transferred its leprosy settlement from Beqa to the small island of Makogai. It was suggested that all inmates and staff should send mail free of charge. The mail was very slow reaching Suva 6 weeks later having been disinfected on the island. By the 1930's the number of patients at Makogai was 700, to be sent there was a life sentence. They consisted of Pacific Islanders and a large Indian population. After WW11 with the result of new drugs it was decided to vacate the island.
Ex Tony Eastgate.
