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No. 3. reports of medtcal officers. Auckland. Sir— Auckland, 10th March, 1904. I have received a request, through the Manager of the Auckland Industrial School, to report to you in reference to the health of the inmates of the school. I have vaccinated those in residence and a large number of the boarded-out children, and in much the greater proportion with success. A few cases of children vaccinated as infants have failed, though done twice. We have had a few cases of transitory fever in the house, all of which have recovered in a short time. One case of a girFwho had her ankle wounded by a piece of sharp stick has given some trouble, but is doing well. Everything about the house is highly satisfactory. IT have, &c, A. G. Purchas, M.R.C.S. (Eng.), Medical Officer. [CThe Secretary for Education, Wellington. ' . I %-r >■

Sir,— Auckland, April, 1904. During the past year St. Joseph's Orphanage, Lake Takapuna, has maintained its reputation for cleanliness and good order, being very clean, and in this respect a model to others. The air-space per bed is hardly as much as one could wish for, but the perfect ventilation neutralises this defect in an otherwise perfectly conducted home. The latrines and outside parts of the home are well kept. During the past year there have been no cases of infectious or contagious disease, and the health of the inmates has been good, and their improvement in physical condition eloquent testimony to the care they receive from Sister Alphonsus and the Sisters associated with her. I have arranged to vaccinate inmates on receipt of a supply of lymph. I have, &c, ,T. A. Laing, M.D., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer. Sir,— Auckland, April, 1904. I beg to make a report on St. Mary's Industrial School, Ponsonby, from my position as " Hon Medical Officer." The water-supply is good, so also is the drainage. The lavatories have been much improved since my last report —in fact, the sanitary arrangements are very good. Although we had had a severe outbreak of scarlatina some few months ago at the institution I am happy to say every case recovered, and we were able to trace the origin of the disease. There is at present no sickness of importance, with the exception of one case of phthisis, which we are getting removed from the establishment. The children are kept clean and well clothed, and their heads specially attended to, which is a hard matter in these public institutions to which so many different kinds of children are committed. The dormitories are kept in perfect order as regards cleanliness and ventilation. The mattresses are well aired at regular intervals, and the bedclothes are clean and sufficient for the various times of the'seasons. The food is well cooked, with plenty of variety, and is served out in quantity to suffice every appetite. I may mention that I have paid special attention to the food, and have gone into the kitchen during the times meals were being got ready. The dining-hall is also nicely laid out when meals are going on. I am thankful to say the children all round are very healthy, and that it is a long time since we have had a death in the institution, although some children have been brought in in a most miserable condition. I have had opportunities, time upon time, both night and day, to watch and judge how the good Sisters in charge are never away from their posts, especially if any acute illness of import happens. Their work is a pleasure to them, no matter how difficult or opprobrious. I have, &c, W. J. Darby, The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Hon. Medical Officer.

Wellington. Sir,- Wellington, 21st March, 1904. For the information of the Minister in charge of your Department, I have to report that during the year there has been no epidemic sickness at the Wellington Receiving Home, and no cases of infectious disease originating in the Home. Many of the children were suffering on admission from skin-eruptions and other evidences of neglect, but rapidly improved under the hygienic conditions of their new environment and the care and attention bestowed upon them by their attendants.

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