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eaoh of the four nniin districts a full-time District Health Officer, with an Assistant, and in the smaller districts a full-time District Health Officer. During the year important progress has been made in the direction of providing further facilities for bacteriological aids in the prevention and treatment of disease. Thus a fully equipped laboratory has been opened at Auckland under the charge of Mr. Armitage, who has been appointed Government Bacteriologisl for that centre, while branch laboratories have been established at Napier find thvercargill. Plumbers Registration Act, 1912. Four meetings of the Plumbers' Board constituted under the above Act were held during the year. The Board held an examination under the Act in July, li) 19. Sixty candidates presented themselves for examination, of whom seventeen qualified in the theoretical and nine in the practical test. As a result of this eleven new names were placed on the register, the persons concerned having completed both parts of the examination. At the end of the year 1,281 names had been entered in the register since its initiation. Of this total thirty-five names have been removed, twenty-two through death in civilian life and thirteen through death on active service. Reports attached. The report of the Matron-in-Chief (Miss H. Maclean) and the Medical Officer to the Maoris (Dr. Te Rangihiroa) are attached. A further appendix will be published when full data is available, giving a statistical report on the financial workings of Hospital Boards for the year ended 31st March, 1919. I cannot conclude this report without referring to the splendid services rendered the Empire by certain officers of Ibis Department. It is with the greatest pride that lam able to place on our annals the names of the following officers who have served the Empire overseas, and whose services have been graciously recognized by His Majesty: — Dr. D. S. Wvlie (Colonel), C.M.G., C.B.E. Dr. R. H. Makgill (Lieut.-Colonel), C.B.E. Miss H. Maclean, R.R.C. (Ist Class), and Nightingale Medal. Miss K. M. V. Maclean (Sister), R.R.C. (Ist and 2nd Class), Mentioned in Despatches (3). Miss M. Grigor (Sister), A.R.R.C, Mentioned in Despatches. Mr. J. G. Roaohc (Lieut.-Colonel), D.5.0., Croix de Guerre, and Mentioned in Despatches (2). Mr. L. M. Shera (Major), M.C., and Mentioned in Despatches (3), and 0.8. E. Mr. A. 0. Yon Keisenberg (Lance-Corporal), M.M. Miss J. Bignell, A.R.R.C. Miss I. G. Willis, A.R.R.C, Mentioned in Despatches (2). Miss Cameron, R.R.C. (Ist Class). Miss E. M. Lewis, Serbian White Eagle, Serbian Royal Bed Cross (2nd Class), St. Sava (3rd Class). And in referring to the splendid service of these officers, we must not forget another officer who will always carry the marks of the terrible war —I refer to Private Neil Campbell, who lost his sight in the service of his country, and is now gallantly maintaining himself as a masseur. I am confident that of the honours so graciously vouchsafed none gave greater pleasure to the Department generally than that awarded our Matron-in-Chief, Miss Maclean. It is largely, if not entirely, due to her untiring efforts that the name of the New Zealand Nursing Service stands so high in the opinion of those competent to judge, and when Miss Maclean received her well-merited decoration the honour conferred on her was greatly appreciated not only by her colleagues in the New Zealand Army Nursing Service, but throughout the nursing world. In August, 1919, I was granted six months' leave, and during my absence the Department was under the control of my colleague Dr. 11. 11. Makgill, to whom I cannot adequately express my thanks and appreciation for services so efficiently and faithfully rendered. My special thanks are also due to another colleague. Dr. J. P. Frengley, Deputy Chief Health Officer and Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals. Though officially " Deputy " Chief Health Officer, all matters relating to the Public Health and allied Acts are under his experienced and capable direction, and in these responsibilities he is very ably assisted by Dr. Watt, Assistant Chief Health Officer. The report by Miss Maclean, Matron-in-Chief, as to the administration of the nurses and inidwives and all that pertains thereto, will be read with interest, as showing the activities of this branch of the Department that has been under Miss Maclean's able control, and of whose untiring services I cannot adequately express my appreciation. I have also to thank very heartily Mr. Ki'llick, Secretary of this Department, and Mr. Drake, Chief Clerk, for efficient and loyal service. I have, &c, T. H. A. Valintine, Chief Health Officer and Inspector-General of Hospitals.

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