H.—3la,

4

have been induced to work with a view to cutting down the administrative expenses of the institution, but such is not the case. Though the Conference was of opinion that most of the domestic duties may be done by patients, we would lay stress on the fact that graduated work is for the actual benefit of the patients, though at the same time we would take this opportunity to say that the exploitation of patients' work for the pecuniary benefit of the institutions concerned must be strictly discouraged. Patients must work for their own sakes, not solely for the benefit of their institutions; and we look to the public to allow no false sentiment to hamper the efforts of our Medical Superintendents in building up the patients while in our sanatoria, so that they can return to take their places as effective citizens. XV. The Conference was much interested in Mr. Reakes's statements with regard to the protection of the milk and meat supplies of the Dominion, and other matters relating to the subject which were introduced during his able address —notably his investigations with regard to the vitality of the tubercle bacillus in infected pastures. Unfortunately, so long as the public exhibits such apathy with regard to the quality of the milk supplied for human consumption, it will be difficult to effect any very drastic reforms with regard to the control of this industry. If the public really wants clean milk of good quality it must be prepared to pay for it. What the public demands the trade will supply. In the meantime the recommendation of the Conference — that Hospital Boards should obtain milk for their institutions only from those suppliers who submit their herds to periodical tests by responsible officers of the Veterinary Branch of the Agricultural Department—should have some effect, and impress the public with the importance of this aspect of the problem. The enforcement of the regulations under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, which are now before Cabinet, will give the central Department an opportunity of effecting reforms in connection with our food-supplies that are much needed. You will note that, though a resolution was carried to the effect that the milk from factories should be pasteurized, the Conference did not make any recommendation with regard to the pasteurization of milk intended for human consumption, the members being of the opinion that such pasteurization would largely minimize its food-value, and would engender a feeling of false security that would be of more real danger to the public than a milk-supply which was subject to a careful and regular supervision by responsible officers. If the public considers that the question can be settled by pasteurization of milk intended for direct human consumption—which it cannot —it will not be likely to insist on those reforms in the trade that we so earnestly desire. XVI. Particular attention may be well directed to the decisions that led to the resolution with regard to the use of tuberculin. We feel that we can rely on the good sense of the medical profession to refrain from using this form of treatment unless individual members are thoroughly au fait with the properties and action of tuberculin, and the technique necessary for its proper exhibition. It will be the duty of the Department—as suggested by Dr. Champtaloup—to make arrangements with Bacteriologists to give demonstrations on this and other matters of vaccine therapy to practitioners who may not have had the advantages of obtaining experience in that particular form of treatment. XVII. The only question on which the Conference was not unanimous was that with regard to the restriction of immigration. Though the members were as one with regard to the restriction of immigrants in the advanced stages of the disease, much sympathy was expressed for those immigrants in the early stages of the disease who might be denied the advantages of our climate and social conditions. It was urged by more than one speaker that such persons were British subjects, and should not be denied the advantages that were available to their more-robust fellowcountrymen. The question is indeed a very vexed one, and we feel sure that it may be left to your clemency to decide whether it may not be possible to permit the immigration of persons in the early stages of the disease, provided that they can show that they are willing to submit to certain conditions compatible with the interests of the country where they hope to become effective citizens. The Conference was, however, unanimous in its approval of the measures about to be taken by the Government to prevent persons in advanced stages of the disease from landing on these shores, and was confident that the most effective means to this end could be brought about by rigid inspection prior to immigration and during the voyage, it being contended that more responsibility might with advantage be thrown on the shipping companies. XVIII. Finally, it was unanimously decided that if time should show that the responsible authorities fail to act in concert the Government should take over the complete control of the tuberculosis campaign; and, though many members expressed the hope that the Boards would not fail in their duties to the State, it was recognized that if it proved necessary to vest the conduct of this campaign in the central Department it would ultimately involve reorganization of our hospital system on a similar basis —a change which in the opinion of many members present would not be altogether to the disadvantage of the people of the Dominion. We have, &c, G. J. Blackmobb, Medical Superintendent, North Canterbury Sanatorium. Sydney T. Champtaloup, District Health Officer (Otago). William E. Collins, Member of the Legislative Council. H. E. Finch, District Health Officer (Canterbury). Jos. P. Fkeegley, Medical Secretary, Department of Public Health, &c. H. E. Gibbs, Secretary, British Medical Association. H. Hardwick-Smith, Medical Superintendent, Wellington Hospital. A. L. Lewis, Medical Superintendent, Te Waikato Sanatorium. C. E. W. Lyth, Medical Superintendent, Pleasant Valley Sanatorium. R. H. Makgill, District Health Officer (Auckland). H. J. McLean, President, Wellington Division, British Medical Association. J. A. Reakes, Chief Veterinarian. T. H. A. Valintinb, Inspector-General of Hospitals and Chief Health Officer for the Dominion. The Hon. the Minister of Public Health, Wellington.