13

H.—l9b

December, not in February, as would have been the case had no anti-fly measures been in force. The curve shows further that the density of the perishing fly population in December, 1917, was not more than 10 per cent, of the density in the previous December. Manure now goes to the stacks comparatively free from eggs and maggots, showing that most flies are killed without a chance to visit the horse-lines to breed. (d.) The whole of the water-supply is drawn from the new filter-beds, which were put into use in February, and the old water-service and well dispensed with. The supply is taken from the water-race which comes from the source of the Tauherenikau • River, and has always been ample for all needs. It is of good quality, and samples taken periodically for chemical and bacteriological tests have proved satisfactory for drinking purposes. The area surrounding the filter-beds and the portion of water-race are well fenced to prevent pollution by cattle, and the whole of the water-race is constantly policed in order to keep it clean and free from any contamination. With the alteration to the water-supply all ablution-stands are now supplied with filtered water, which adds much to the comfort of the troops using same. In the bakehouse improvements have taken place in the handling of the bread, whereby the loaves are baked in batches of six on shallow tin trays, and can be easily handled. The bread is distinctively marked to show the day it is made, and this assists in the proper distribution of bread. Visits are paid periodically by the Sanitary Officer to the farms supplying milk to, the camp, when samples are taken and tested. Two prosecutions took place as the result of adulteration with water. Samples of other foods are taken when new stores arrive, and forwarded to the Dominion Analyst for analysis. The refreshment-rooms at Kaitoke Railway-station and the premises of the mineral-water manufacturers supplying drinks to the camp have also been inspected, and recommendations made accordingly. (c.) As previously stated, every building, including shops, is fumigated periodically according to the need. Kits of all troops leaving for embarkation, kits of contacts with infectious oases, kits of venereal-disease patients, and kits of all absentees are fumigated. Infectious kits, together with hospital linen and blankets from detention, are put through the steam-disinfector. Kroin April to December, 4,502 kits, 1,553 buildings, 295 tents were fumigated, and 1.362 articles passed through the steam-disinfector. External Aids. —Fortnightly reports from the Public Health Department are of great use as indicating the incidence of infectious disease throughout New Zealand, this bearing on the disposition of troops, their leave and their incoming—that is, we can watch for any particular infection of troops coming in or returning on leave from a district in which such infection is prevalent. One near-by town in the Wairarapa was declared out of bounds to troops owing to the presence of a scarlet-fever epidemic. Also, reports from Assistant Director of Medical Services of Military Districts, from hospitals, and through Public Health Departments, of any admissions for infectious disease assist greatly. General. —The camp laboratory is self-contained, all bacteriological work in its many ramifi cations being done there, save Wassermann-examinations. This is an immense advantage, saving time, labour, and expense. The accompanying report of work, done by our Bacteriologist will show the extent and scope of his work, and bears its own evidence as to its value. Great practical value has been found from the emptying of the camps of troops for practically a fortnight at, Chrißtmas-time. CI Camp, Tauhbrbnikau. Mention must be made of the camp established for the purpose of training CI men up to the standard of physical fitness required for fit A men. This camp, initiated on the 25th Sep tember, 1917, was for a month in Canvas Camp, Featherston, and later migrated to Tauherenikau. On arrival the men are classified into three classes by the CI Medical Officers, an X Class, V Class, or Z Class, in that order of fitness. For four or six weeks each class goes through special and modified training by a specially selected staff of instructors to fit it for the higher class. Each man is then boarded either fit A, or, if not likely to become efficient, 02. This training is done under the personal supervision of the Medical Officers. The health of the camp has been excellent. Papawai Camp. The troops being in camp for short periods, no sickness of any degree has taken place. The standard of cleanliness is good, and a large amount of work has been carried out to make up roads and paths. Various improvements have been made to the existing buildings, and a new building erected for the officers' sitting-room. The water-supply has been laid on from Greytown town supply, and has given every satisfaction. Isolation Camp, This camp is situated on the south side of the Tauherenikau Road, to the south-east of Tauherenikau Camp, and is a well-laid-out site, having gravel paths and LP. tents with boarded sides, together with inhalation-tent, dispensary, cookhouse, and latrine. During the year 641 troops have passed through the camp, and on no occasion has any infectious disease developed among them during the time of isolation. Raoiooumse Hospital. This camp is complete in that it has permanent buildings, efficient water-supply, good drain age, hot-water supply, and a hot-water radiator system in the hospital ward, and is satisfactory in every way.