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Sale op Food and Drugs Act. Wellington being the principal port of entry for imports and a large distributing centre, a great deal of work has been performed with regard to the Act and regulations. In conjunction with the Government Analyst, much valuable work is carried out. Premises for the manufacture of food are gradually being improved. Ice-cream Manufacture. —Conditions re the protection of this are much improved as compared with those a few years ago. Eating-houses and Food-shops. —Here again the regulations are effecting a great deal of improvement. The difficulty, which will probably never be eliminated, is that proposals are sometimes received to use buildings as eating-houses which were not originally built for same. Under these conditions it is sometimes extremely difficult to obtain all that one would like as regards the arrangements. Port Health Inspection. One hundred and fifty-four overseas vessels were inspected by the Port Health Officer. Nine infirm and prohibited persons were dealt with under the Immigration Restriction Act. Inspector Frew continues to carry out good work in connection with the sanitary supervision of ships and other duties for the Department in regard to ships, especially rat-infestation. Quarantine Station. The accommodation remains the same. During the year Inspector York commenced his duties as caretaker. The buildings are, generally, in a good condition of repair. Mr. York is carrying out valuable work with regard to general maintenance, &c. Epidemic Organization. In view of influenza in England and Europe a few months ago, attention was paid to our own organization, should such have been required. Industrial Hygiene. There has been close co-operation between the District Officer, Labour Department, and the Medical Officer of Health, and frequent visits to premises are made together. Through our joint co-operation considerable improvements have been made at the porcelain-works, Petone. With regard to the ventilation of buildings generally, a great deal depends upon the personal factor as regards the employees. Complaints are sometimes received regarding conditions, and on investigation one finds that the fullest use is not made of the existing means of ventilation. Even in Wellington a little careful attention will often ensure efficient ventilation without the creation of disagreeable draught. Administration. During the year the closest co-operation and co-ordination existed between the Medical Officer of Health and the School Medical Division. With regard to infectious-disease work, the assistance of the school staff is extremely valuable. In conclusion, I desire to express my appreciation of the valuable services rendered by nurses, Inspectors, the District Clerk (Mr. Kershaw), and the general office staff. Amongst the Inspectors, Inspector Lerwill is giving extremely useful service to the local bodies whom he serves. SECTION 5. —HOROWHENUA - WANGANUI HEALTH DISTRICT. Dr. Shobe, Medical Officer of Health. Infectious Diseases. The following infectious diseases have been notified: — Notifiable Disease. Number. Deaths. Scarlet fever .. .. .. .. • • • • 536 3 Diphtheria.. .. .. .. • ■ • • 96 5 Enteric fever .. .. .. . ■ . • • • 8 2 Tuberculosis .. .. .. • ■ • • 90 26 Cerebro-spinal meningitis .. .. .. .. .. 4 2 A. A. poliomyelitis .. .. .. .. .. ■ • 3 Pneumonic influenza .. .. •• ..11 2 Pneumonia .. .. .. . ■ • • ■ • 123 29 Erysipelas .. .. .. .. • ■ ■ • 24 Puerperal fever (ordinary) .. .. .. .. ..19 2 Puerperal fever (following abortion) .. .. .. .. 3 Eclampsia .. .. .. .. .. •. .. 3 1 Tetanus .. .. .. ■ ■ • • • • • • 2 Hydatids .. .. .. .. • • • • • • 6 Lethargic encephalitis .. .. .. .. • ■ 1 Trachoma .. .. .. .. . • • • • • 1 Dysentery .. .. .. .. .. . ■ .. 10 Totals .. .. 941 72