‘A report on Cyprus.’ [‎6r] (11/28)

3
1934 were F. 106°, 111°, 106° and 96°. June, though hot, is said
to be less trying than September, when it is damp. At Famagusta
I was told that children remain there all the summer without ill-
effect as the sea air and bathing keep them fit.
Paphos and the west coast are said to be the coolest part in
summer as also milder in winter.
The minimum temperature at Nicosia in 1934 was F. 31 in
January and February.
Malaria used to be prevalent in the Island but anti-malarial
measures have reduced this danger so that with ordinary precau
tions there is little to fear.
Cyprus is remarkably free from other diseases prevalent in the
East, e.g. } small-pox (nil in 1934 and 1935) and dysentery of which
only one case occurred among the British population in 1934,
and only 1 per cent in the whole population.
Sand-tlies however are said to be a serious pest in the hot
weather.
While the heat in summer may be trying it is easy to escape
from it. On the central mountainous massif of which the summit
is Troodos (6,090 ft.) the climate is cool throughout the summer.
It must be very like a Himalayan hill station at about 8,000 ft.—
that is to say a hot sun in the day-time and a quick drop in
temperature after sunset. At Troodos, where it has been the cus
tom for a few senior officials to carry on their work in the hottest
months, the maximum temperature (shade) in the four months
June to September is about F. 90° and the minimum 48°.
It is easy to reach Troodos by car from any part of the Island
in a few hours.
Medical facilities in Cyprus are good and efficient. There are
Government District Medical Officers at all the principal towns.
Fees appear to be much the same as in the country at home, but
hospital accommodation is cheaper, 12/6d. a day for a private
ward, with lower scales according to the accommodation. There
are hospitals at Nicosia, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Famagusta
and Paphos. There are plenty of Cypriot dentist, some of whom
are quite moderally good and reliable.
4. Educational. —Cyprus as yet lacks any special educational
facilities for the children of English settlers or officials. Primary
education for small children can be got in Nicosia and Famagusta
in each of which places there is a children’s school or class run
by an English lady. There used to be a kindergarten in Kyrenia,
now closed for lack of support. More classes of this type would
be forthcoming at once if there was an adequate demand.
In Nicosia there is an American academy at which sound
education is given, but it is for Cypriot boys and is American not