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" (8) That the payment of the doctor should be at a flat rate so far as the general-practitioner service was concerned, and according to the work done for specialist and consultative services. " (9) That freedom of choice as between doctor and patient, which is such an important part of the scheme in England, should be incorporated in any New Zealand scheme. " (10) That an insurance scheme could be fitted into our existing machinery, and that in the Health Department and the Hospital Boards we have suitable agencies to represent Central Government and local insurance committees." The report was considered by the General Conference of the Hospital Boards Association in Napier in March, 1935, when it was resolved to recommend the Government to investigate the proposals. The British Medical Association at its Conference in Dunedin in February, 1935, also supported the proposals, and expressed its wish to co-operate in every way in making the fullest investigation in the matter. Medical Inspection of Skips. —A modified system of medical inspection was put into force during the year in the case of ships carrying medical officers. Arrangements were made with the shipping companies under which the ship's doctor carries out medical inspection of everybody on board within twenty-four hours of the ship's arrival in port. If such examination indicates that the ship is free of infectious disease the ship is allowed to berth and is boarded at the wharf by the Port Health Officer. However, if any suspected quarantinable disease is found at the preliminary examination the ship is examined in the stream and appropriate action taken. In the event of any passenger being ill or infirm, the doctor, on the vessel's arrival, reports the facts to the Port Health Officer, who then carries out all necessary examinations and takes appropriate action to deal with the case. This arrangement for the acceptance by the Port Health Officer of a declaration by the ship's doctor as to the health of the passengers and crew has reduced to a minimum the possibilities of delay in the berthing of the vessels arriving in New Zealand ports. His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris signed on behalf of the Government of New Zealand conventions for the suppression of bills of health and consular visas thereon. The modern system of epidemiological service with its reciprocal interchange of notifications by cable and wireless has rendered the bill of health of little importance in maritime quarantine practice. Poisons Act.—The Poisons Act, 1934, was placed on the statute-book in order to make better provision for the control of poisons and certain dangerous drugs. It is designed principally with the object of preventing deaths from misadventure arising from two main causes —firstly, the careless use of industrial and farm poisons from loose packing and from the storage or handling in bottles commonly used for foodstuffs, beverages, or harmless medicines ; secondly, the increasing tendency by the public to use certain of the newer drugs having hypnotic or pain-relieving properties, or supposed to be effective for slimming, and so on. Regulations for carrying out the machinery sections of the Act are in course of preparation. The New Zealand Branch of the Royal Sanitary Institute.—lt is a matter of considerable satisfaction to record the affiliation of the Sanitary Inspectors' Association with the New Zealand Branch of the Royal Sanitary Institute. The executive of the Institute is now fully representative of architectural, scientific, engineering, and public-health opinion, and can be expected to exert a sound educational influence among all workers in the field of public health. Crippled Children.—For some time the rotary clubs have taken a practical interest in the welfare of crippled children. Lord Nuffield's generous gift of £50,000 has given a fresh impetus to their work and has enabled the formation of the New Zealand Crippled Children's Society, which should render invaluable service in the rehabilitation of an unfortunate section of the community. The essentials in giving assistance to the cripple are, firstly, to deal with his physical defect, restoring him as nearly as possible to the normal ; and, secondly, to provide such vocational education and training as will tend to make him self-supporting. Health Education. —The work of health education has been continued on the lines described in previous reports. It has included articles supplied to the press, weekly health talks broadcast through the courtesy of the Radio Broadcasting Board, addresses to various organizations and a wide distribution of health literature. Courses of lectures have been given to Health Inspectors and others, as it is realized that a highly trained personnel is an important factor for imparting sound knowledge on health questions. The following booklets have been revised : The Expectant Mother and the Baby's First Month, and Maori Maternal and Infant Welfare. A pamphlet on nutrition for guidance of housekeepers and others was prepared, and one also on health hints for use in primary and Native schools. Boards associated with the Department.—The various Boards associated with the Department— namely, the Board of Health, Medical Council, Plumbers Board, Opticians Board, Masseurs Board, Nurses and Midwives Registration Board—have continued their work during the year. Reference to the work of the last-mentioned Board will be found in the report of the Director, Division of Nursing. The Department acknowledges its indebtedness to the members of these Boards for their able services. Staff. I regret to record the death of Mr. C. H. Beggs. For many years Mr. Beggs rendered service of great value as Inspecting Accountant. Mrs. Oliphant, District Nurse, Hastings, died during the yea'r ; Miss Lambie in her report refers more fully to that much esteemed officer. Dr. A. Henderson retired on superannuation after fifteen years zealous service as a School Medical Officer. In conclusion, I wish to express thanks for the support rendered me by officers during the year. M. H. WATT, Director-General of Health.

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