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general work, and a considerable number of Maori expectant mothers are seen at least a few times pre-natally. Advice is given concerning diet and hygiene —where the confinement is to be conducted by the Native method attempts are made to give instruction in the elements of cleanliness, and in some cases simple sterile equipment is provided ; some attempt is made to treat skin conditions and similar complaints, and where abnormalities are detected entrance into hospital is urged. All this is of considerable value. It cannot, however, be said that any organized supervision of the kind which is now considered to be necessary has been achieved. As with the European women living in more sparsely populated districts, it seems quite impossible to arrange regular attendance at antenatal clinics associated with the local maternity hospitals. The solution of the problem would seem to be an increase in the number of the district nurses to Natives sufficient to allow of frequent visits to these Maori women in their own homes. The Committee believes that such a system, worked in close co-operation with the maternity hospital of the district, could give an adequate service. Recommendations. (1) The Committee considers that the logical conclusion is that the same general policy of hospitalization of maternity cases should be developed for the Maoris as for the European mothers ; indeed, the arguments in favour of this course might be regarded as even more cogent owing to the inability of the Native domiciliary method to meet serious emergencies. It is accordingly recommended that in all Maori districts provision should be made in the local public maternity institutions for the admission of Native patients and that sympathetic consideration be given to their customs. It is suggested that, as far as possible, separate wards should be provided. (2) It is considered that a more thorough system of ante-natal supervision could be organized by the local maternity hospitals working in conjunction with, and largely through the agency of, an increased staff of district nurses to Natives. With this service further post-natal supervision could also be given. (3) The Committee believes that an important factor in the improvement of midwifery conditions among the Maoris lies in a betterment of their housing and general hygiene. The menace of skin and other infections can only be combated by such measures. It is considered that an extended district nursing service such as has been advocated could do much valuable preventive work in this direction. 13. FACILITIES FOR THE CARE OF THE UNMARRIED MOTHER. (1) Public Facilities.—Unmarried patients are admitted to all Government and Hospital Board maternity hospitals on the same terms as the married. This is a sufficient provision in cases where the patient has a home of her own to return to and where the means for caring for the child are satisfactory. (2) Private Facilities. —Where financial resources permit, private hospital or private domiciliary attendance is arranged for. (3) Charitable Institutions. —Certain religious and charitable institutions provide not only for the confinement and puerperium, but also for the care of the mother for a period before and after delivery. The Alexandra Home, Wellington, the Essex Home, Christchurch, the various Salvation Army Homes, and the St. Mary's Home, Auckland, are examples of this type of institution, the advantages of which are that a girl is able to enter a home, perhaps in a distant town, before her acquaintances have become aware of her condition, and that she is kept in the home for some months after delivery, being thus enabled to nurse her child and give it a better start in life. During her stay in the home the girl is given careful ante-natal and post-natal attention, and is taught domestic work and handwork, those in charge endeavouring to inculcate better ideals of parenthood and citizenship. That such provision is beneficial is seen from a consideration of the statistics. It is well known that the rate of both maternal and infant mortality is distinctly higher among unmarried than among married women, this being easily accounted for by the fact that in the unmarried pregnancy is often concealed until a late period, so that no ante-natal care is given, and the birth not infrequently takes place in unsuitable surroundings with inadequate attendance. Where, on the other hand, unmarried patients are admitted to suitable institutions where they receive proper care and attention, statistics of morbidity and mortality campare favourably with the figures relating to the total birth-rate. It is worthy of note that the opinion formerly held that endurance of pain during labour is an essential part of the discipline to be meted out to girls who have transgressed the moral code is now rapidly losing ground. With few exceptions it was found that in homes for unmarried girls painrelieving measures are being used to an increasing extent. This tendency is especially noticeable in homes having a department for married women in addition to that for rescue work, the high standard of technique in the private wards being reflected in the care given to the unmarried patients.

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