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improper allowing of large quantities of blood-residues to flow into the borough sewers —as I noted on one surprise visit —may, if care be again relaxed, give rise to a general opinion that " there is something in it." Feilding. —A visit to the sewage-treatment works was disappointing. The mechanical filterbed distributors were working inefficiently through want of proper attention. Inspector O'Brien continues untiring efforts to obtain a better nightsoil service. Marton. —I do, I hope, emphasize by a repetition of last year's remarks:. "Marton remains in, statu quo. It is perhaps the least progressive of all the towns in the Wellington District. Drainage is required, and better supervision of back yards, and so forth." I feel sure that but for the personal and intimate supervision and incessant watchfulness of Inspector Wilson this town would be an even more dangerous breeding-ground for illnesses of infectious and other characters. The railway-station sewage-tank installation has been an excellent demonstration of what can be done, even in a stiff and sodden clay subsoil, with the subsoil-iri igation system for purification of the effluent. Taihape. —The question of obtaining a high-pressure water-supply for the town has been advanced to the stage of the taking of samples. It seems impossible to get any more practicable intake than in the Hautapu River, somewhere between Mataroa and Taihape. Unfortunately, a valuable reserve which could have been obtained a few years ago is now quite beyond consideration. Wanganui. —With the " Greater Wanganui " and the electric-tram schemes much before the inhabitants, it is only perhaps reasonable to anticipate a temporary lull in the progress towards some needed sanitary improvements. Inspector Sargeant's untiring and detailed attention generally leaves nothing to be solved, if the remedy be within his power. Hawera. —Under Inspector Macpherson's supervision, the objectionable conditions noted with regard to the two borough septic tanks have received attention and remedying. The plumbing in this borough does not compare favourably with that of the younger towns. Stratford. —I have visited the sewerage-treatment works. A little more attention is necessary to fully reap the amount of purification of the effluent I believe it to be capable of giving. Extension of the sewerage system is particularly necessary in the direction of the river bridge. Eltham. —I have not been able to give time for a personal inspection of this place. Inspector Gardiner's skill has supplied the deficiency. Inglewood. —With a few exceptions Inglewood is satisfactory. Waitara. —More definite steps are being taken to insure a high-pressure water-supply for the town. New Plymouth. —An outbreak of enteric fever has directed attention to the need for sewerageextensions here. In counties and town districts nothing of special note needs mention here, except at Martinborough, where the Town Board has decided to put in a high-pressure water-supply. Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland have been administered from Head Office since the beginning of 1907. With experience of the District Health Officerships of Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland, and subsequently Auckland, it is pleasant to be able to put on record a note of the markedly progressive tendencies in sanitary matters in this health district. Here generally the assistance of the Inspectors and the advice and executive powers of the District Health Officer are sought by local authorities, and are looked upon as something to be made use of, rather than to be regarded as tentative interference. I have, &c, Jos. P. Frengley, M.D., F.R.C.5.1., D.P.H., District Health Officer. J. Malcolm Mason, M.D., Chief Health Officer, Wellington. MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT. Sir,— Department of Public Health, Picton, 31st March, 1908. I have the honour to submit my report as to the conditions of public health in the Province of Marlborough for the year ending the 31st March, 1908. The district has been very free from infectious disease, only 41 cases having been recorded, the total being made up as follows : Diphtheria, 15 cases, 1 death; enteric fever, 8 cases, 1 death; scarlet fever, 6 cases, no deaths; tuberculosis, 11 cases, 5 deaths; puerperal septicaemia, 1 case, no deaths. It will be noted that the deaths.from tuberculosis exceed in number those from all other reported infectious diseases. Diphtheria. Fifteen cases were notified during the year. The cases were invariably of a mild type, in many instances the diagnosis being somewhat doubtful; there was only one death. All infected premises and surrounding's were carefully examined by Inspector Johnson, and his suggestions for sanitary improvements were in every case carried out. The cases were scattered over a considerable area, but the place of origin and apparent centre was at Grove Town, from which district no less than eleven out of the fifteen cases were notified.

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