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1923. The diseases which, were chiefly responsible for the increase in 1925 were —Poliomyelitis, 104 (2 in 1924) ; tuberculosis, 280 (192 in 1924); hydatids, 15 (6 in 1924) ; eclampsia, 9(2 in 1924). Otherwise the incidence of notifiable diseases in this health district during the year was light. The following diseases showed a considerable decrease in 1925 as compared with the previous year ; scarlet fever, 94 (123 in 1924); diphtheria, 199 (281); enteric fever, 9 (15) ; erysipelas, 31 (40); acute primary pneumonia, 80 (97). Poliomyelitis.—The outbreak began in February, when 12 cases were reported, followed by March, 35; April, 20 ; May, 18 ; June, 9 ; and July, 2. In the Oamaru district 25 cases were notified, and 62 in Dunedin and vicinity. A full report of the epidemic was forwarded to you on the 19th August last. Investigations made at the Dunedin Hospital as to the number of patients receiving treatment for the after-effects of the disease disclosed that most of the cases were being treated by Mr. Renfrew White, who stated that out of 13 cases receiving after treatment 4 have completely recovered, 5 have made very considerable recovery and are still improving, 3 have practically made no recovery, and 1 after a month's treatment failed to report. Diphtheria.—The total number of cases notified for the year was 199, in comparison with 281 in 1924 and 91 in 1923. In Dunedin and adjoining localities 113 cases occurred. Enteric Fever.- —Nine cases occurred in 1925, as compared with 15 the previous year. The localities were —Roxburgh, 1 ; Dunedin, 1 ; Oamaru, 2 ; Clyde, 2 ; Colac Bay, 1 ; Invercargill, 2. All cases were investigated with the object of locating carriers ; however, nothing eventuated. Food and Drugs. Foods analysed or weighed.—During the year 386 statutory samples of various foods were taken for analysis, and 1,493 articles were weighed. The number of food premises inspected was 2,546. Food-supplies seized and destroyed. —In addition to large quantities of foods examined and passed, the following goods were seized and destroyed, some in lots of various sizes : 14 cases sardines, 50 cases lemons, 12 rolls bacon, 50 cases kippered herrings, 27 sacks Barcelona-nut kernels, 20 sacks lentils, 109 tins Morton's herrings in tomato-sauce, 20 cases French walnut halves, 83 cases grapes, 435 mutton-birds, 4 cases mandarines, 19 cases pears, 1 box lollies, 1 tin lollies, 4 lb. rasins, 17 sacks Barcelona nuts, 1 ham, 3 benzine-cases rabbit-carcases. Improved Methods.—The inspections of numerous food premises and vehicles during the year disclosed that most manufacturers and vendors have made still further improvements in their methods in addition to the progress noted in our report for 1924-25. Two more bakers in Dunedin have adopted the system of bread-wrapping at the bakehouse, which indicates that this improved method will soon become much more general in large centres. « Private Hospitals. During the year the private and maternity hospitals of Otago and Southland have been visited three times, and more frequently when necessary. Improvements have been made in the equipment of a number of the private hospitals, several having installed high-pressure sterilizers and better facilities for the washing and storing of utensils. Very few improvements have been made in the cottage maternity hospitals. Most of the midwives in practice have been visited and their bags inspected. The bags are in excellent order. Fewer unregistered, homes were visited than usual. These unregistered nurses are not taking so many patients into their homes as heretofore. New Zealand and South Seas PjXhibition. The Exhibition, which commenced at Logan Park on the 17th November last, has thrown a considerable amount of extra work on to the officers of the Department in Dunedin. In addition to work on our own display, our officers were called, upon to exercise supervision over the construction of food premises and sale of food to the public. The sanitary work in connection with the Exhibition buildings was also dealt with. Inspector Armour was detailed for the duty of supervising the Department's section. During the time he was thus engaged the work of his district was carried on by Inspectors Craighead and Gooding. Beside the departmental exhibit, the handling, classifying, and setting-up of the Wembley exhibits, which arrived in January last, entailed a large amount of work. It was unfortunate that owing to lack of space the whole of these interesting exhibits could not be shown. The public have evinced keen interest in the departmental display, and the attendants have been kept busily engaged giving demonstrations, distributing literature, and answering numerous inquiries. Lectures on suitable subjects have been delivered by Professor Hercus, Dr. Shore, Dr. Hector, Dr. Storms, Dr. Pickerill, Dr. Steenson, Mr. Armour, Mr. Clayton, and myself. These lectures were broadcasted, and from the numerous inquiries received there is every reason to believe that they fulfilled a very useful purpose in public-health propaganda.

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