75

H.—3l

will the patient swallow the bitter draught ? In some places his teeth have been fixed by the superstitions and teachings of his forefathers, but the general symptoms are good and hopeful, and so, even if we have to force his jaws ajar, it will be for his benefit and restoration to life. Wherever the Councils are working the Maoris have certainly made vast improvements in their home-surroundings. With all the suggestions herein"contained fully carried out, the time will not be far distant when the decay of the Maoris will have merged into the realm of the what might have been, and the extinction of the race will have been averted, and a new era will have commenced, wherein the light of the Maori will shine as brilliantly in every calling of life as that of the pakeha. Maui Pomabb, M.D.

APPENDIX.

EEPOET OF PATHOLOGIST. Sir, — Pathological Laboratory, Wellington, July, 1903. I have the honour to report on the work of the laboratory during the past year. The materials received for examination totalled 505. The number of specimens of sputum submitted for examination as to the presence of tubercle bacilli was 178, of which 51 proved to be definitely tubercular. For examination as to the presence of diphtheria bacilli 55 throat swabs were received, and of these cases 25 proved positive on bacteriological examination. Of urethral discharge for gonorrhoea, 18 specimens were sent, in 11 of which the gonococcus was definitely demonstrated. For typhoid, but 9 examinations were made by Widal's method, in only two cases any reaction resulting. For plague, 20 suspicious rats were examined post mortem, also specimens from 5 suspicious human cases. For malaria there were 7 examinations, and for-anthrax, 10 ; while for such material as foodstuffs, vomits, faeces, fluids, &c, 55 examinations were conducted, and 28 specimens of urine were tested and examined. For leprosy there were 7 examinations, in 3 of which Bacillus lepra, was present. Only 12 samples of potable water were submitted for examination by the Department. Of tissue for pathological examination there were 101 specimens submitted, chiefly for a decision after microscopical examination on the presence or absence of cancer and other malignant growths. In connection with these examinations and investigations of the past year, 15 guinea-pigs were used for experimental purposes. I have again pleasure in recording my thanks to Mr. G. H. Barker, F.E.M.S., my assistant, for the careful and attentive manner in which he has carried out his duties in connection with these examinations. I have, &c, The Chief Health Officer. J. A. Gilruth, M.E.C.V.S., Pathologist.