3

H.—ls

Several matters of serious importance, such for instance as to the materials with which the wards are lined, have neither been overlooked nor undervalued by us. A few years hence this question ought to claim the earnest attention of the authorities, for our investigation informs us that there is a miasmatic atom —so minute as to have escaped detection as yet, and which ventilation cannot reach— that even permeates the solid structure, resulting in susceptible persons going to buildings so infected, with curable ailments, being subject to diseases of a very destructive character. Although it would have been of advantage to have had the walls and ceilings coated with a composition impervious to this poison, still we cannot undertake the responsibility of advising the Government to make any alteration in this direction at present. Additional attention to the preparation of the food would be repaid by beneficial results, and a check imposed in respect thereof, so that the servants could not supply themselves at the expense of the patients. A strict record of all property belonging to each individual on entrance ought to be kept. But these and other details, such as rules, &c, would be a duty devolving upon the management, of whatever description. In concluding this report we cannot forbear expressing our regret that it is not so exhaustive as we could have wished, or the importance of the subject seems to demand. We would only add that all the suggestions we have ventured to make arc supported by evidence that appears to us conclusive. We cherish the hope that some of them may prove of public use. We have, &c, W. J. Htjest, Chairman. Thomas Moeein. William Swanson. A. K. Tayloe. The Hon. F. Whitaker, Auckland. J. S. Macfaelane.

Authority: Geouge DrDSBr/EY, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB77.