E.—3

5

Numbers of 1903 and 1904 compared.

No. 3. EEPOBTS OF THE MEDICAL OFFICEBS. AUCKLAND. Government School. Sir, — Auckland, 7th April, 1905. I have again the pleasure to report that the health of the inmates and boarded-out children of the Auckland Industrial School has been fairly good. We have had no death, and no serious epidemic. The three cases of scarlatina which occurred in June, 1904, recovered without sequel®, and all che other inmates escaped infection. One case of serious illness in a little boy occurred at Awhitu. The patient was not brought to me by the foster-mother, but to another medical man, and was sent to the Hospital without ray knowledge on the 27th March. On the Ist April, at Miss Jackson's request, I visited him, but as on chat day a change in the medical staff took place, I could not obtain any information of diagnosis or treatment, but I saw no reason to be apprehensive about him, and I hear he is improving. Towards the end of last year, one of the elder girls, who is of somewhat feeble intellect, showed signs which made it undesirable that she should remain an inmate. On my advice the Manager removed her to a suitable home, and there is reason to hope that she will be benefited by the change. The house is much improved, but requires better lighting in the dining-room. I also recommend that one at least of the baths should be provided with a shower. The drainage-tank should also be covered. The management is in every respect most satisfactory. It is gratifying to see the change for the better shown by the children in a short time after their committal. I am, &c., A. G. Purchas, M.B.C.S. (Eng.), The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.

St. Mary's (8.C.). Sir, — Auckland, 11th April, 1905. I have recently made a most minute inspection of the above institution, which is under the Sisters of Mercy, and I am happy to say the health of the children is excellent, and has been for some time. They are all well clothed. The dormitories have all been newly painted and fitted up with thirty new bedsteads. The drainage and lavatories are good, and the water-supply plentiful and excellent. The cooking is good, and the bill of fare very healthy and varied The buildings from end to end are well ventilated, and their cleanliness and tidiness are very striking. The situation is an ideal one. I have, &c, W. J. Darby, The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Hon. Medical Officer. St. Joseph's, Lake Takapuna (8.C.). Sir, — Auckland, April, 1905. Since my last report there have been no epidemics among the inmates, and the general health of the lads remains uniformly good. There have been but few cases of illness during the past year, and these of only a minor nature. The usual scrupulous cleanliness of the school has been well maintained during the past year, the dairy, lavatories, &c, being models in this respect. The latrines are well kept, but one could wish for a water system to replace the present earth system. On two occasions during the past year I have vaccinated all the inmates, but the lymph supplied by Government was evidently sterile, none of the lads being successfully vaccinated. I miss the able co-operation of Sister Mary Alphonsus. I have, &c, J. A. Laing, M.D., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer

At end of Year 1904. Increase or Decrease. Inmates. 1903. I I In the schools Boarded out With friends At service In hospital In lunatic asylum School for Deaf-mutes, Sumner At Costley Training Institution Under control of refuges or cognate institutions In orphanage, cottage home, &c. In gaol Absent without leave 601 513 195 489 7 3 2 7 21 10 5 56 603 548 178 494 5 4 3 12 16 8 3 44 + 2 + 35 - 17 + 5 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 5 - 5 - 2 - 2 - 12 Totals 1,909 1,918 + 9