10

E.—3

nearly all of the cases in the first instance. The last of the successive batches returned to the school on the 25th May, and I should have had the pleasure of reporting that no fatality resulted had it not been that Edward Simpson died in the school of heart-failure on the 23rd June, his case being complicated with acute rheumatism, from which, however, he appeared to have made a complete recovery. The care and attention given by the officials during the epidemic was most conspicuous and devoted. I am happy to mention that we have now provision for isolation in the shape of a good building, standing by itself in the school grounds, where children can be accommodated. The girls enjoyed this advantage in a detached building erected on the grounds soon after the outbreak, which proved an excellent hospital and which was well isloated. Amongst the boarded-out children there were five deaths. W. A. Haslemore was the one case in the Dunedin district : died of obscure brain disease, and wa» seen by me the day before death. The health of the inmates has been very satisfactory —not without our share of minor ailments, but none of any severity. I think the attention given to drill and military exercises has had a marked effect on the improvement of the boys in physique and better carriage. I have, &c., Robert Burns, F.R.C.S.E., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer. Sir,— Dunedin, 15th April, 1904. I have the honour to submit the annual medical report of the Industrial School of St. Vincent de Paul, South Dunedin, for the year ending the 31st March, 1904. I have still every reason to be satisfied with the general care and management of the inmates on the part of the Mother Superior and the Sisters in charge of the institution. During the year the health of the inmates has been remarkably good. With the exception of an outbreak of mumps during the earlier part of the year there has been no instance of infectious disease. There have been very few cases of illness, and these have been all more or less of a trifling nature. There have been no deaths. Seeing that many of the children are of tender years, and are often when first committed of delicate constitution and in poor health, the high average of good health maintained by the inmates speaks well for the hygienic surroundings, and reflects credit on those responsible for their immediate care and welfare. I have, &c, W. S. Roberts, The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.

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