H.—3l

32

Influenza. The Native, as tie white, suffered a good deal of influenza, but, although widespread, it was really of the mild type, very few severe oases being reported. Special instructions for prevention and treatment were tabulated in pamphlet form in the Maori language and distributed broadcast throughout New Zealand, and many appreciative replies have been received from the people concerned. Tuberculosis. A good deal of the disease exists, and, although fairly scattered, I believe the northern portion of New Zealand to be the most seriously affected, especially the Hokianga district. The low-lying, wet, bleak, and foggy areas on the shores and branches of Hokianga River often result in damp livingconditions among the resident Natives. The Maori is not really prone to the disease, and it is in the lesser bloods that the trouble lies. However, speaking generally, the position is not so serious as it was previously, owing to the improvement in living-conditions by better housing and the forsaking of the lower levels for the higher areas, the continued supervision of our nurses and Inspectors, propaganda, and personal visits by myself amongst them. There are difficulties to surmount in dealing satisfactorily with tuberculosis amongst the Natives —the expense entailed by travelling to and from the various sanatoria, and largely by incipient cases not being reported in the early stages to receive treatment at the onset of the disease. The Natives in the past have raised objections to going to the various sanatoria, but this aspect is passing quickly, and many now enter through the channels provided by the local Hospital Boards. Pamphlets in the Maori language are distributed amongst the people, and these, together with the constant supervision exercised by the Department, will do much to improve still further the whole aspect surrounding the position. Trachoma. Since joining the Department I have made many inquiries regarding the incidence of this disease amongst the Natives, and, although a deal of ground has yet to be traversed, I am of opinion that the trouble is one that need not cause much apprehension. The latest figures available give the number of probable sufferers as forty, which, however, cannot be accepted as strictly correct, as many of the cases, no doubt, are of an altogether different type. However, I am continuing my investigations, and upon completion I shall make the matter one for special report. Subsidized Medical Officers to Natives. This matter has received a deal of my attention, and so far as the northern portions of the South Island are concerned I have submitted a special report to you, from which you will observe that I propose to eliminate one or two subsidies and substitute a nurse in lieu of medical service. The North Island subsidizes medical officers, all, upon the whole, giving splendid service, but these will also be made the subject of a special report upon completion of my investigation. Nursing Service. It is with pleasure I have again to report upon the valued service of these officers. lam of opinion that this service should be extended, and in this connection I have already reported fully upon this matter. Native Inspectors. From my own observations I am satisfied these officers give valued service, their special knowledge of the Maori being the factor that leads to the success of their work. I consider these officers should have the opportunity (through the various Medical Officers of Health) of improving their knowledge of dealing with epidemic diseases and sanitation generally by having examinations set for them in such subjects. I have discussed the matter with the Medical Officers of Health and Directors of other Divisions, and feel sure when this has been finalized we shall receive still better service from these officers. Population. The Maori population, according to the latest figures available (April, 1928), totals 64,817, an increase over the previous year of 583, or 0-9 per cent., the numbers and proportional strength of Maoris in the various provincial districts being as follows :—

! "tar* ■ sstsg' p = sr ' Jiuropeans. Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 46,464 71-68 10-45 Hawke's Bay .. .. .. .. .. 4,900 7-56 7-21 Taranaki .. .. .. .. .. 3,820 5-89 5-49 Wellington .. .. .. .. .. 6,777 10-45 2-37 Total, North Island .. .. .. 61,954 95-58 7-14 Total, South Island .. .. .. 2,863 4-42 0-55 Totals for New Zealand .. .. 64,817 100-00 4-67