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Food and Drtjos. Food analyzed or weighed.—During the year 641 samples of various foods were taken for analysis and 2,497 were weighed. The number of food-premises inspected was 2,876. Food-supplies seized and destroyed. —In addition to large quantities of food examined and passed, the following goods were seized and destroyed in lots of various sizes : 20 tons cocoa-beans, 27 lb. shelled Barcelona nuts, 22J lb. walnut halves, 6 bags shelled Barcelona nuts, 24 lb. whitebait, 156 cases apples, 20 cases kippered herrings, 4 cases Spanish hazel-nuts. Improved Methods.—ln my last annual report reference was made to the necessity for improvement in the handling and delivery of such foodstuffs as milk, meat, and bread. Some improvements have taken place in this connection, and it is pleasing to observe that one or two milk-vendors are adopting the bottle system of delivery. In at least one case a complete plant is being installed. A large number of dairymen now use covered motor delivery-vehicles, and this minimizes the objectionable features of dipping from the tops of 10-gallon cans, and the consequent pollution during wet weather from rain, hands, and hats. Two bakers in Dunedin have installed wrapping-machines for bread. Endeavours have been made to improve the methods of handling butcher meat from abattoirs to retail premises. Improvements have already been noted, and it is hoped to obtain still further results. Private Hospitals. During the year private and maternity hospitals for Otago and Southland have been periodically inspected by Nurse Inspector Beswick. Improvements have been made in the equipment of a number of the private hospitals. A large number have installed high-pressure sterilizers and a number of facilities for the washing and storing of utensils. Improvements have also been made in certain cottage maternity hospitals. All midwives in practice have been visited, and most of their bags inspected. These are in excellent order. The majority of the maternity nurses who have recently been registered have been visited, and the regulations explained to them. The licensee of one private hospital was prosecuted for failing to complete her register, and the owners of three unregistered homes were prosecuted. Convictions were entered in all cases. Nurse Inspector. —In addition to her work in connection with tuberculosis, this officer has visited Kaitangata and Balclutha to swab contacts when the diphtheria outbreaks occurred at these places. This officer also inspected and reported on the premises of chiropodists, beauty parlours, chiropractors, masseurs, and skin specialists. Water-supply. Invercargill. —The Invercargill Borough Council sunk a new bore on the water reserve, and were successful in obtaining a good supply. A poll of the ratepayers of Invercargill was taken|"recently on the matter of a gravitation scheme from Dunsdale, and carried. Milton. —The Milton Borough are still pumping water direct from the river into the mains, an intermittent supply being maintained pending the erection of new storage tanks. It will be remembered that the water-tower was blown down about two years ago. Oamaru. —The recently constructed reservoir on the South Hill to supply that portion of the town has given every satisfaction, there being ample water for all purposes. Sanitary Works. In Dunedin City and suburbs the work of sewer-extension is being steadily pushed forward by the Dunedin Drainage Board. Special storm-water culverts are also being constructed in Hanover Street and vicinity to cope with the storm-water from the hill districts. A conference of representatives of the local bodies interested was held to discuss the question of drainage of Kaikorai Valley and Green Island. As the provision of a water-supply for those factories now using the stream-water is not at present possible, and in order to permit manufacturers to still use the stream-water but return the waste into the sewers, it was proposed that landowners with rights over the water should be approached to waive their rights. This proposal was agreed to, and the various local authorities are now being approached to obtain the names of persons concerned, with a view to taking further action in this direction. Oamaru. —The drainage-work in this town is now under way, and about 250 houses are connected to the new sewers. The drains in South Oamaru are being connected, and the sewage discharged into the South Oamaru Creek is much less than formerly. Bluff. —The Bluff Borough has constructed several good drains to replace the old open ditches. The majority of householders are now connected with these sewers, which are used for waste water only. Balclutha. —The Borough Council are carrying out street-channelling and general improvements to various low-lying districts. Owing to lack of underground drainage the practice of discharging waste water into the street-channels at times causes a nuisance, particularly in dry weather. The only satisfactory solution will be the provision of an underground drainage scheme. Gore. —The Gore Borough Council have carried out two small extensions. A great deal of work remains to be done, but this will probably prove difficult and costly owing to poor levelling when the original main sewers were laid. Mataura. —This borough is considering the completion of their sewerage scheme, and it is probable that a poll will be taken for permission to raise the necessary money. The Wallace County Council are at present considering the drainage of Ohai. This is a very scattered township, the population of which is increasing rapidly, and drainage is essential. The drainage at the various camps belonging to the Public Works Department at the Miller's Flat railway-construction works is giving satisfaction^ Bruce Woollen-mills, Milton— The settling-tanks constructed at the mills to minimize the pollution of the Tokomairiro River have been completed and are giving satisfaction.

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