H.—3l

1917. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID: REPORT THEREON BY THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS AND CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER.

Presented, in pursuance of Section 76 of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1909.

RE POET. The Inspector-General of Hospitals to the Hon. Minister of Public Health. Department of Public Health, Hospitals, and Charitable Aid, Sir,— Wellington, 30th July, 1917. I have the honour to lay bef'ure you the report of the Department for the year ending 31st March, 1917. Though less eventful so far as the Department is concerned than the year 1915-16, the year just closed has been an exceedingly busy one, notably in connection with the accommodation and treatment of our sick and wounded soldiers. Fortunately there has been very little trouble as regards the arrangements for those of our countrymen who have fought in this world-wide struggle, and this reflects great credit on Dr. Frengley and his staff and the Medical Superintendents of our institutions, who have worked splendidly, though often at great disadvantages as regards their medical and nursing staffs, which have been considerably depleted. In this connection I cannot refrain from referring to the great loss the Department has sustained by the death of the late Lieut.-Colonel Hope Lewis, whose zeal, energy, and devotion to duty had so largely contributed to the success which had attended the "boarding" and treatment of our military patients. The shortage of medical men, especially as regards our public institutions, has become very acute, and is likely to become more so if the war continues much longer. It is to be hoped that as a result of the conference between representatives of the British .Medical Association and yourself measures may be brought down with a view to supplying sufficient medical men for the Expeditionary Force and home service without ignoring the wants of the civil population. Nevertheless the public—bearing in mind the great issues at stake—must be prepared to make some sacrifices and to put up with some inconvenience as regards the medical service of the country. Artificial Limbs for Returned Soldiers, Cabinet having recently decided that this Department was to undertake the management of the manufacturing of artificial limbs, premises were accordingly obtained at the Public Works shops, where two returned soldiers who had special experience in the manufacture of artificial limbs at the Roehampton Hospital are now engaged, and have already effected repairs for some of our maimed soldiers. In all possibility it may be necessary to extend this workshop, and it is hoped that as there are several New Zealand soldiers who have lost limbs now being taught at Roehampton their services will be available for the factory on their return to New Zealand. Infectious Diseases. Unfortunately there has been a considerable.increase in the number of cases of infectious diseases notified, especially as regards scarlet fever and diphtheria. Of the former no fewer