H.—lo,

14

I regret to have to chronicle our first death (George Williams), from peritonitis (inflammation of the bowels), on the 29th of November, 1878. This was a very rapid and serious case. I have the satisfaction of stating that at present there is not a single case of itch in the establishment. This disease has for the last two years been a source of great annoyance to all concerned. The ward for isolatiug contagious diseases is now finished, and will be a most valuable adjunct in a sanitary point of view. The oven for fumigating clothes and bedding is also completed, but not yet available. I visited the institution sixty-four times, made ten visits to Wm. Bateman in the Provincial District Hospital, two night and four special day journeys to Kohimarama, examined every candidate on admission, and inspected the whole of the boys weekly. Three hundred and eighty-six cases came under my notice and treatment during the year. The monthly average number of boys in the school during the year was 58__-. 1878. 1879. July ... ... ... 63 January ... ... 54 August ... ... 61 February ... ... 57 September ... ... 61 March ... ... 60 October ... ... 57 April ... ... 57 November ... ... 55 May ... ... ... 58 December ... ... 55 June ... ... ... 59 Tho chief diseases, &c, were —Peritonitis (fatal), bronchitis, jaundice, coughs and colds, abscesses on lower extremities, abscesses in ears, boils and whitlows, cuts and bruises, dislocation of thumb, Maori pock and itch, colic, disease of ankle-joint. E. Wilton, who has been for upwards of two years suffering from disease of the bones of the leg, requiring many operations, is at length well, and able to resume his ordinary duties. Eobert Church (committed by the Eesideut Magistrate, Auckland) had congenital cataract of both eyes. Upon referring the case to the authorities the boy was discharged as unfit for the school. This has led to the institution of a preliminary medical examination of all candidates for admission before sending them to Kohimarama. Iv consequence of the breaking-down of the Government steam-launch several times I have been compelled to go by the road, portions of which are in a state of disrepair at all times, and at present absolutely dangerous and almost impassable. I have again to record my obligations to Captain Breton for the assistance rendered during my absence and presence. His kindness to the Bick, and zeal shown in attending to their comfort and well-doing, merit my most sincere thanks. I have, <fee, The Secretary, Marine Department, Charles F. Goldsbro', M.D., F.E.C.P., &c, Wellington. Medical Officer.

RETURN showing the Total Ordinary Expenditure of the Marine Department during the Financial Year ended the 30th June, 1879.

Nature of Expenditure. Details of Expenditure. Totals. Grand Total. lead Office: — Secretary Chief Clerk... Clerk Clerk Messenger ... Marine Engineer Draftsmen ... Engineer-Surveyor ... Local Engineer-Surveyors Examiner of Masters aud Mates Local Examiners of Masters and Mates... Cost of Inquiries into Wrecks and Casualties Survey of Unseaworthy Ships ... £ a. A. 500 0 0 350 0 0 175 0 0 114 17 4 60 0 0 300 0 0 345 15 3 212 10 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 225 0 0 263 2 2 9 8 0 £ b. A. £ s. d. larbours: — Manukau, — Salaries Repairs to Signal Station ... Overhauling and Repairing Buoys ... Contingencies 2,755 12 9 2,755 12 9 708 0 0 100 11 2 247 10 8 50 0 0 1,106 1 10 Bean Rock Lighthouse,— Salaries Oil and Contingencies 150 0 0 6 18 0 Russell, — Salaries Removing and Repairing Cottages ... Contingencies 156 18 0 294 0 0 60 0 0 28 11 3 382 11 3 Carried forward ... 1,645 11 1 2,755 12 9