fl.—3i.

contain " one meal "or more. In this way it was hoped that the carelessness or ignorance of the nurse might be eliminated. The stopper removed, a patent and easily applied teat is attached to the bottles, and in this way all possible danger of contamination is prevented. There are evidences, as I have said, of a desire on the part of some of the cities in New Zealand to look into and if possible undertake some such scheme. I suggest that the Government should do everything it can to help such efforts. Until, however, all uncertainty ceases as to responsibility for the sanitation of dairies in the widest sense of the word, pasteurisation and care in the distribution must savour somewhat of shutting the stable-door when the horse has escaped. Mf.dical Inspection of School-children. As you are well aware, the matter has received considerable attention in most parts of the world. In Great Britain and on the Continent of Europe and America special officers are set apart for this .very important work. Any scheme, to be practicable, must not cost too much ; it may be therefore that the best cannot be obtained ,ust at once. The fact that out of a total of 117,000 children attending Board schools throughout the colony only some 27,327 live in and about the Cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, indicates quite clearly that, even if the children in the larger centres could be looked after, a very great number would still go uninspected. The scheme which you approved is briefly as follows : The name of any child which the teacher considers in any way not up to the normal standard of health should be placed upon a list. A Medical Inspector should be appointed to examine these children. He should report to the parent. This scheme certainly casts a further responsibility upon a not overpaid and already hardworking individual; but I am certain from the expressions of opinion which have reached me from all parts of the colony that whatever may be their objections to the prescribed scheme of work, there will be few to refuse this voluntary task. As a matter of fact, a large number of teachers have for some time back practically carried out this system, reporting to the parent instead of to a medical inspector. That there is necessity for such inspection is evidenced by the fact that so many countries have instituted these examinations. In many places on the Continent whole-time inspectors are retained, who examine all children. I feel assuredthat with very little instruction the school-teachers in the colony would be able to " spot " any child suffering from, say, eye-strain, deafness, throat-troubles, obviously defective teeth, spinal troubles, or, in fact, any serious departure from the normal. The object of enlisting the help of the teacher is to lessen the cost. Instead of the medical inspectors having to examine, say, 117,000 children they would only be required to deal with, say, 10 per cent, —roughly, 11,700. Doubtless were it possible to examine all, greater certainty might be assured, but I suggest that the lesser scheme be tried—at any rate at first. Mr. W. H. Dawson, in a recent article, states that as far back as 1889 Germany instituted these examinations, and the results have been excellent. Speaking of the attitude taken by parents generally, " the vast majority of parents heartily welcome the school doctor's recommendations, and carry them out." . t In Berlin in 1902 123 per cent, of the children notified for admission into primary schools were put back as unfitted for the time for school-work. Last year 34,562 newly registered children were examined, and nearly three thousand put back, over seven thousand having been placed under oversight. I placed the rough outline of the scheme before a conference of teachers in Dunedin lately, and it was received most enthusiastically. The Inspectors in Otago were good enough to assure me of their help. As a matter of fact they had in transitu from England a set of Snellen's types for use in the Otago schools. I have laid the matter before the Education Boards throughout the colony for their consideration and suggestions. I believe they will help in this important work of safeguarding the young. I suggest that any money spent by Education Boards should be subsidised by the central authorities. I sincerely trust that by the time it is necessary to report to you again the scheme will have become un fait accompli. The Campaign against Tuberculosis. It gives me very great pleasure to record the steady progress of the movement. Gradually the various Hospital Boards are coming to see the wisdom of making provision for those unfortunate enough to suffer from this disease. By pen and speech the several officers of the Department have done much to awaken the public to a realisation of the magnitude and power of the enemy. Many in authority have actively taken up the burden, and gradually open-air shelters are being provided. I drew attention last year to the good work done by Dr. Valintine, and I have pleasure in recording my appreciation of the help Dr. Makgill has rendered in his quiet unobtrusive way in the development of a suitable, cheap, and at the same time scientific, shelter for the housing of persons suffering from consumption. The result of Dr. Finch's efforts in Canterbury have been crowned with a most inspiriting success. The trustees of the Cashmere Estate have donated an excellent site on the Port Hills, near

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