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improved conditions have surely done good work in that area. The total inoculations carried out during the year number 2,500, making a total for the past four years of 8,617. Public Gatherings. —The sanitation of villages where t'angis or huis are in progress is now quite a matter of ordinary routine procedure, carried out by committees duly appointed by the Council of the district, or in some cases by the people themselves, and in this matter I am convinced we need have no fear. Inspectors and nurses are in attendance, if at all possible, to see that all necessary precautions are carried out. In case of there being illness at any of the adjoining villages, instructions are issued for those afflicted not to attend. I visit these gatherings personally when circumstances permit, or arrange for an officer of my Division to do so, for the interchange of opinions on current topics, and to advise the people on health and sanitary conditions generally, and the necessity fcr co-operation with the Department and all officers connected therewith. Propaganda. —Much work is done in circularizing our various Councils as to methods to be followed in the prevention and spread of any infection existing in the country. As the Ratana movement is creeping into the work of our Councils and committees, I attend the meetings of these bodies so as to rebut the many wild statements being circulated amongst the people. Native Health Inspectors. —The two Assistant Inspectors are doing good work, and give very valuable assistance to the Department. They are both experts in Maori lore and customs, and therefore able to deal with the conditions of the people. The various Inspectors of Health also do very valuable work amongst the Natives, and are ever willing to render all possible assistance for the betterment of the people, and their services are not only appreciated by the Natives but are of very great assistance to me in the working of my Division. Native Health Nurses. —It is with extreme pleasure that I can again praise the good work done by our district nurses. In many instances they are called upon all hours of the day and night to attend to the wants of the sick, and never falter in their duty. Bad roads and flooded rivers have to be contended with, and I can only reiterate that this branch of the service is one of the most important and deserving of all consideration possible. It is by the constant watching over the people and the taking of immediate action by our nurses that the spread of disease is checked, and to this branch full credit must be given for the services they render in this direction. It is not possible to weigh the amount of money saved to both the Department and the various Hospital Boards by the prompt action of our nurses in sifting, treating, and isolating disease. A good deal of difficulty exists at times in connection with their work owing to the Ratana influence, but as a rule, by the tactful and patient pleadings of the nurses, it is -overcome to a very large degree. Te Rangi Hiroa, Director, Division of Maori Hygiene. PART VIII.—HEALTH DISTRICTS.—EXTRACTS FROM ANNUAL REPORTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH. SECTION I.—CENTRAL AND SOUTH AUCKLAND HEALTH DISTRICTS. Dr. T. J. Hughes, Medical Officer of Health ; Dr. Mecredy, Assistant Medical Officer of Health. Part I. I submit hereunder a short annual report on the two health districts under my control for the year 1925-26. Infectious Diseases. With the exception of the outbreak of infantile paralysis in the early part of the year, it is pleasing to be able to record the fact that no other serious epidemics were experienced throughout the year. Reports in regard to the poliomyelitis outbreak were submitted during the year, a total of 129 cases and 27 deaths being recorded in the Central Auckland Health District during the calendar year 1925, and in the South Auckland District 77 cases and 13 deaths. The only other outbreak experienced was the incidence of six cases of typhoid fever amongst Maoris in the Raglan district. These cases were dealt with by removal to hospital, and inoculation of contacts was carried out. Generally speaking the health of the Natives in the two districts throughout the year has been excellent. The incidence of scarlet fever and diphtheria was normal throughout the year in both districts, the monthly average of cases reported being : Central Auckland —scarlet fever 8, diphtheria 14 ; South Auckland —scarlet fever 8, diphtheria 10. Particulars of cases of puerperal fever and of septicaemia following abortion or miscarriage have been recorded in the quarterly returns forwarded throughout the year, as also have particulars of all maternal deaths. AIL cases of puerperal fever have been strictly investigated, especially where a private hospital or maternity nurse has been concerned, and full restrictions imposed in accordance with the departmental regulations. General Sanitation. The general sanitation of the two districts has been greatly improved during the year. Supervision has been exercised over nightsoil and refuse removal, and disposal services, drainage schemes, &c.

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