a.—3i

6

Though some 26,000 infants are born every year in the Dominion, only about 5 per cent, are vaccinated. The majority of parents do not even trouble to apply for exemption. I cannot advise a repeal of the present law, but I would most strongly urge that, if it be decided that the law is not to be more vigorously administered than heretofore, it would be better to repeal the law, and, in the event of an outbreak, provide by Order in Council that all persons within a certain area be vaccinated unless they can show satisfactory evidence of recent vaccination. During the Department has lost the services of Dr. Purdy, who has been appointed Chief Health Officer for Tasmania, and Dr. Ogston, who had been District Health Officer for Otago since the initiation of the Department. The latter has been succeeded by Dr. Champtaloup, of Edinburgh University, who combines the duties of District Health Officer and Lecturer on Public Health and Bacteriology at the Otago University. The vacancy in Auckland has been filled by Dr. Makgill, who, in addition to his work as Government Pathologist, undertakes the duties of District Health Officer in that district. 1 have, &c, T. H. A. Valintine, Chief Health Officer for New Zealand. The Hon. the Minister of Public Health.