H.—3l.

Special Sanitary Inspectors were appointed during March and April to make a general inspection, and see to the removal of refuse and anything likely to encourage rats. In the city four Inspectors were thus engaged.. The work done was superficial, being confined merely to rubbish in back yards, but it was at least a step in the right direction. A conference of local bodies has from time to time been convened by the Mayor of Auckland. I have attended their meetings and placed before them the various precautions and sanitary improvements necessary, and, though no very marked reforms have resulted as yet, it is possible that these conferences may, by the discussion and explanation of Auckland's needs, lead to greater consideration being given to sanitation. Eats from time to time have been obtained and examined, and so far none have shown symptoms of plague ; but did time permit a much more thorough search would be desirable. One case of plague was reported and removed to the isolation ward. A second case was detected only after death. Seven other cases where circumstances seemed suspicious were inquired into, and where possible bacteriological examinations were held. Thus three ■post-mortems have been made, two inquests attended, glands in three cases have been removed and examined, and one spleen obtained from an inquest I was unable to be present at. Mr. Gresham, District Coroner, has given every assistance in investigating cases of sudden death in which there was a possibility of plague being the cause. In none of the seven cases was there any evidence of the cases of illness being other than ordinary. In the two cases of true plague the premises have been specially disinfected, and the sanitary condition of the neighbouring houses improved. The following matters may be singled out as having been specially investigated and dealt with during the year : — Outbreak of Typhoid conveyed by Oysters. —The cases were as far as possible visited, the whole condition of the oyster trade inquired into, the wholesale and retail businesses visited, and the means of storing and conveying the oysters. All the oyster-beds in the Manukau Harbour were inspected. Ptomaine-poisoning Gases. —The chief of these cases was a, serious outbreak amongst the guests and servants at the O Hotel. Seventeen persons in all were affected, and one case proved fatal. The affair was investigated by Police Inspector Cullen, who gave me most valuable assistance. The cause was traced to whipped cream, which must have been infected by some of the many forms of bacteria causing such attacks. I made a fairly exhaustive bacteriological analysis of some of the milk from the dairy, but failed to detect anything worthy of note. The other cases investigated were : — Ptomaine-poisoning from sausages : The case —a boy living in Onehunga—proved fatal. The sausages were traced to a shop in Auckland, which was in a very insanitary condition. A case at Ngunguru, Whangarei, in which two children and an adult were affected—one adult dying ; cause uncertain. A case at the Thames, where two children took ill and died, was traced to tinned meat, which had been kept till decomposition had set in. A case at Waihi—an elderly man who died; cause not definite. Outbreak of Enteric at the Thames. —lnvestigated and traced to a dairy. Some forty houses in which cases have occurred were visited, a dozen dairies were inspected, and the sanitary conditions of the town as to drainage, water-supply, and nightsoil service were noted. The following investigations were made into cases of supposed dangerous infectious disease (other than plague): — Leprosy reported at Ngawa, Bay of Islands, was visited and found to be tubercular. Small-pox : Two cases reported in the city. All precautions were taken, and the premises specially disinfected ; but both cases proved to be aggravated cases of chicken-pox. Infectious-disease Hospital for Auckland. This matter is occupying a good deal of time at present. So far, in connection with obtaining the consent of the fifty-two local bodies concerned, 130 telegrams, 68 circulars, 13 special letters have been despatched, and the representatives of twelve local bodies specially interviewed. Other Matters which have required Special Attention. Isolation Ward at Botorua. —The preparation of this building necessitated frequent visits to Eotorua. Sanitary Inspectors. —The duty of choosing the Inspector for the city was placed on the Department. Thirty-four applications were considered, and five applicants interviewed and subjected to a brief examination. Three applicants for the position of Inspector for Waitemata County have come to the office for instruction in their duties. Circulars re combining to obtain the services of an efficient Sanitary Inspector have been sent to nineteen local bodies in Eden County. This matter is still in hand, but the responses so far have not been encouraging. I have interviewed many of the local bodies in the Auckland District on this matter, and. the proposed districts have been planned out, but the project is only being taken up. Sanitary By-laws. By-laws for the following have been supervised : — Auckland City. —These are now in process of preparation. Botorua. —Many alterations have been suggested. . Mount Wellington. —Special by-laws re nightsoil service have been framed.

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