E.—3.

bIB '~ T , . . , Moray Place, Dunedin, 24th April, 1903. T ,• 7 o , Ve ,„ e honour herewith to submit the medical report on the St. Vincent de Paul Industrial School, South Dunedin, for the year ending the 31st March, 1903. During the past year the health of the inmates has, on the whole, been very good but in the monthsof May and June, 1902, whooping-cough, which was then epidemic in Dunedin,' visited the institution and affected many of the children. One of the children so affected S L M aged seven months died on the 7th July, 1902, of the broncho-pneumonia which complicated the disease. JLhe illness m this case was protracted—the infant was in the first instance a delicate one—and I have to record my satisfaction at the extreme care and assiduous attention and nursing that the patient received throughout from the Sisters- of the Institution. I have also to record the death on the 26th July, 1902, of A. M. W., aged twelve months (also a delicate child), of bronchopneumonia. Other cases of minor ailments have from time to time occurred ; they have alwavs been promptly reported to me, so as to receive early medical treatment, and the instructions have been m all instances carried out to my satisfaction. I desire to call attention to the fact as calling lor congratulation, that there has been no single case of scarlet fever in the institution notwithstanding the widespread prevalence of this epidemic throughout Dunedin and suburbs Should however, infectious disease at any time make its appearance, the means for prompt and efficient isolation are easily available. On each of my (unnotified) official monthly visits, I have had reason to be quite satisfied with the hygienic and general conditions as I found them ; the children are certainly well cared for their health is made a first care, and cleanliness of their persons and surroundings is a marked feature Iheir sleeping apartments are roomy, well ventilated, and scrupulously clean. The fact that children, weakly and delicate at the time of their committal, in due course become healthv fat and strong, is one that carries its own inference. In conclusion, 1 have to state my opinion that, from the hygienic and medical point of view the condition and the results of this institution reflect the highest credit upon those whose dutv it is to carry out the details of its management. I have, &c, t,, Q . „, w - s - Roberts, Visiting Medical Officer. Ihe Secretary for Education, Wellington.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,650 copies), £12 is.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. 1903.

Price 9d..]

3—E. 3.

17