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depot was situated refusing to renew the lease to the contractors. This was natural owing to the spread ot population in those districts making the land too valuable for any but building purposes. Ihe result, however, was unfortunate, since the Drainage Board sewers were not sufficiently forward to enable them to be used by medium of flushing-tanks. The suburban bodies in whose districts suitable land was available for land disposal one and all refused to sanction a depot Within their boundaries, ami the districts requiring the depot had no land suitable Ihe result was a deadlock, inevitable under the present state of local government, when the needs ol the district as a whole are made subservient to the prejudices of small sections of the community. An attempt earlier in the year to secure a depot on part of a Government reserve in the Mount Roskill district, which from the poverty of the soil and the isolated position was extremely suitable tor the purpose, was frustrated by the influence of the local authority In order to place the safety ot some fifty thousand persons in a position independent of narrow pre .indices, a clause was inserted in the Lands Empowering Act temporarily enabling the Department to select a site and authorizing its use despite the objections of the'local authorities Unfor tunately this common-sens, provision was passed so hampered by conditions thai its use was lost while the Act threw on the Department the onus of finding a suitable depot under impossible circumstances. The only lands left available are not those which would be chosen were the Department to be guided by public welfare alone. The position of the Department is thus weakened in meeting the objections of the residents in the neighbourhood of the sites they are forced tc.select. Ihe service, however, is being maintained, though on a somewhat precarious basis subject to the physical opposition of the objectors. In this unsatisfactory manner we may be able to struggle along 1,11 the opening of the sewers enables a more reasonable scheme to be inaugurated lor this most important but unsavory branch of public service. There is little new to report as to the sanitary condition of the suburbs generally As before, the lower slope, „f Mount Eden, Mount Albert, and Eden Terrace show a somewhat high infectious-disease return, due to the difficulties of sewage-disposal on clay areas These districts are urgently in need of sewerage. Grey Lynn.—The Borough Council were well advised in securing the old nightsoil depot which after a period of rest was available again for use. This district was thus saved from any ot the troubles related above. Devonport.—' This borough can no longer claim freedom from infectious diseases as in the old days, this decline is due in part to overcrowding of houses and in part to the failure of the Council to carry out „s own by-laws relating to stables and the keeping of animals generally Onehungar-The sewerage system is now complete, and the reticulation extends throughout the larger part of the borough. The outfall into the harbour has so far produced no visible pollution ot the beaches. Sanitary Condition of Country Districts. As before, the country districts have suffered from the presence of the Maori—living as he does half in and half out of civilization-Waikato and Thames Valley especially being affected It is gratifying, however, to note that smallpox failed to establish itself in the towns James Borough.—Mr. Franklin reports satisfactory sanitary progress here The chief problem there is again the subdivision of local government, since a large part of what is the town ot Thames lies outside the borough and in the county. The result is that much-needed schemes as to water-supply and sewerage are hampered by jealousies and conflicting interests Several visits were pa,,l „, the Borough Council on this question, ami a rough scheme outlined in which both borough and county could take part. A Drainage Hoard, representing both bodies and controlling water and drainage, is greatly needed. Te Aroha.—Tlus is a model small town which keeps sanitary needs well to the fore The sewerage system has been extended 60 chains during the year. Hamilton. —The drainage-work in hand has been completed, and a loan is being provided tor further extensions. Municipal baths have been provided. The abattoir has not vet been established, though sites have been' under consideration. Cambridge also has extended its sewered areas, and municipal baths have been constructed te Airamulii. A water-supply is being supplied, and sewerage will follow shortly Jauinaninui has suffered to a small degree from a tendency to overcrowd buildings on small sections. By-laws dealing with the matter have now been established. Ngaruawahia .— The long-desired drainage system for the two hotels has at last been esra Wished, owing to the welcome co-operation of the Licensing Bench. Tauranga has adopted a gewerage scheme, which is now beim; installed. Pukekohe.— The need for a sewerage system here has been recognized by the Council A report on the matter was furnished dealing with the best means for disposal of the sewage. The District Health Officer, Wellington, reports:— r ?K? f u ]V l ,! " fl 'Z Th " ?" aduall y W »8 tended to the outlying parts of Greater Wellington. Ihe general health of the city remains good. From time to time especially during the autumn months, there has been slight trouble with regard to the water-sunolv many complaints having been made of its peculiar taste. This matter has received twnsideraWe fttteri mm. and every effort has been made by the City Engineer to remedy it. The milk-supply which or many reasons has not been quite as satisfactory as it should be. has received much' -itten turn, and the Council have under consideration the question of establishing a municipal depot Many insanitary buildings have been dealt with in the course of the car either by demoHf,™ or the remedying of defects. • ' Wairoa.—k few septic tanks have been installed in this borough by private owners the effluent being discharged into (he storm-water sewers. These sewers, however, discharge by