100

H.—3l

insanitary places are the breeding-ground for typhoid fever and diphtheria. A comparison with last year's report shows that the former disease has been notified on one more occasion than last year, while diphtheria has risen from 45 to 125 cases. The progressive tendency of the City Council is by no means diminished. It is not argument or wrangling that ever delays here, but want of time. Scarlet fever has been very prevalent in the city, and has increased the notifications by 390 cases over the preceding years. The figures are : 135 cases in 1906, and 525 in 1907. The new destructor is now an accomplished fact, and from the reports received it is quite competent to deal with all the present refuse, or any increase that is likely to occur for many years. The water-supply has been augmented by a new reservoir at Karori, which I have visited. This is being used more especially for the supply to the higher altitudes. The new storagereservoir at Wainuiomata is about to be commenced. The work of disinfecting premises and things after infectious diseases has been undertaken by the City Corporation, instead of being done by one of the Department's Inspectors. Towards this end, Mr. Pasley has been appointed as Disinfecting Officer, and he was placed under this Department for some months so as to become thoroughly acquainted with this important duty, and his work is giving entire satisfaction. Necessarily frequent absences from Wellington and the general short-handedness have prevented my giving the full amount of personal supervision that I believe due to the city; more especially has it been almost impracticable to keep up to the great and welcome activity of the Corporation's officers in the matter of attention to dilapidated houses. I hope in the near future to be able to devote more time to Wellington per se. I have, from some inspections made, come to the conclusion that as soon as possible systematic investigation must be made from the sanitary standpoint of all premises— e.g., afternoon-tea rooms, cheap dining-rooms, general restaurants, &c. —in which food is prepared and sold for consumption on the premises. lam encouraged in this course by a recognition of the great benefits obtained by the departmental supervision of hotels. After all, it must be acknowledged that the larger proportion of people do not partake of the principal day's meals in licensed premises ; all the more reason, then, for the investigation outlined. I can fully accord, and with very great pleasure, my predecessor's appreciation of the genuine courtesy and valuable co-operation of the Town Clerk and the City Engineer and their respective staffs. Wellington Suburbs. Karori. —ln matters of sanitation this borough has not demonstrated any progressive movement, and is in practically the same condition as last year. Until the settlement as to whether it or Miramar is to be included in the Greater Wellington scheme, much, I fear, cannot be expected. A water scheme and sewerage or improved nightsoil system have been mooted. Miramar suffered this year from an undue proportion of scarlet-fever and diphtheria cases, the numbers notified being 7 and 4 respectively. Lower Hutt. —The drainage scheme for this borough has been installed, but is going to be extended. The number of scarlet-fever cases (20) is just double that notified last year. The diphtheria cases have also risen from 1 to 10. Petone is also extending its drainage scheme. Here again scarlet fever and diphtheria show a large increase over the figures for 1906. The cases notified number 28 and 14 respectively. Kaiwarra has always been greatly overcrowded, and has suffered from the want of proper sanitary services. Plans have been submitted for a drainage scheme to a septic-tank installation near the foreshore, with discharge of the effluent info, and purification by dilution and oxidation with, sea-water. These plans have been recommended to and approved by the Hon. the Minister, in pursuance of section 66. District Boroughs. Masterton. —Early in the year I addressed the Borough Council on the necessity of entering upon the work of extending the main sewerage system. A progressive and emphatic movement is likely in the near future. Carterton. —As noted elsewhere, this borough had the misfortune to suffer from an epidemic of scarlet fever this year. The water-supply of this borough has been a subject for adverse comment by the Bacteriologist, The remedy is comparatively simple. Greytown. —This borough does not evidence much to show any "life" in its desires for sanitary reforms. Inspector Miller's earnest and constant supervision alone prevents retrograde movements. Eketahuna. —A high-pressure water-supply is much desired. A visit of inspection, with Borough Councillors, was paid to the really fine proposed intake for this supply. Pahiatua. —The relationship of the sewer-connection to the septic tank is here apparently defective. Steps to remedy this are being taken. The water-supply intake of this borough was visited and found in proper order. Levin decided to join the Inspector scheme, and is being regularly visited by Inspector O'Brien. This should go far towards putting the town on a better sanitary basis. It manifestly desires to vie with others in progression. A high-pressure water-supply is in course of installation ; the sewerage system will inevitably come. Palmerston North. —A partal analysis of the town water showed it to be not very satisfactory. Allusion has already been made to the fears of the septic tank's inoperativeness. The abattoir drainage was blamed. I am not, however, in any way convinced of this. Unfortunately, the