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Pulmonary Tuberculosis.—Nurse Inspector Jeffery continued her work in connection with this disease. In addition to visiting cases in Dunedin and suburbs, homes were also visited in Oamaru, Moeraki, Waipiata, Gore, and Milton. Arrangements have been made with the School Medical Officers whereby they are given the names of all children in their districts who are contacts of tuberculous patients. These children, including those under school age, are examined by them as opportunity offers, and any exhibiting suspicious signs are notified to this office. Arrangements can then be made to have them referred to a chest specialist for further advice. In this way a number of children showing definite or suggestive signs of disease have been put under appropriate treatment. Puerperal Fever. —Twenty-three cases were notified, in comparison with twenty-nine the previous year. All cases notified were carefully investigated, and full restrictions were imposed in accordance with the departmental regulations. Influenza. —During December and January there was a decided increase in the incidence of influenza. A number of notifications were received, but the severe type of disease did not spread to any extent-. Food and Drugs. Food analysed or weighed.—During the year 1,077 samples of various foods were taken for analysis and eighty-eight were weighed. The number of food-premises inspected was 2,911. The sanitary condition of food-premises in this district is, on the whole, very good. Frequent inspections have been made and improvements effected wherever found necessary. Milk.—Only one firm in Dunedin has adopted the bottle system of delivery with regard to milk, and has this year completed the installation of a modern pasteurizing plant. It is understood that one of the largest milk-supply companies is now seriously contemplating the inauguration of the latest methods of distribution, and with this end in view is making exhaustive inquiries to ascertain the most up-to-date and efficient methods. One supplier in Gore is now delivering milk in sealed bottles at the same price as the retailers. He is deserving of every encouragement. Fish-market.—The new fish-market has now been erected by the Dunedin City Council, following on representations by the Department, the result being a very necessary improvement in the handling of fish. Private Hospitals. There has been an increase in the number of private hospitals in the outlying districts of Southland and an increase in medical and convalescent homes in the towns. One small maternity hospital has closed. All the maternity, medical, and surgical hospitals, cottage maternity hospitals, and training-schools have been visited as often as possible. There has been a steady improvement in the equipment of private hospitals. Midwives and maternity nurses have been visited and their bags inspected. With the exception of the untrained maternity nurses, these are in good order. Water-supply. Queenstown. —Owing to the long spell of dry weather, restrictions had to be placed on the use of water. The supply of electric light, which is produced at the waterworks, had to be curtailed. It is understood that the Borough Council have arranged for an engineer's report to be submitted on a further water-supply, drainage scheme, and provision of an augmented electricity supply. Gore. —The supply has been augmented by the sinking of a new well and the installation of an extra pump. The supply appears to be sufficient for the needs of the borough. Mataura. —The water-supply continues to be satisfactory notwithstanding the exceptionally dry summer experienced. Hampden. —The Hampden Borough Council is considering a water-supply for the borough. Milton. —The Milton Borough Council, after consideration of the alternative scheme for a 250,000-gallon reservoir (with chlorination plant) and a gravitation supply, has decided to recommend to the ratepayers the adoption of the gravitation scheme at an estimated cost of £9,000. A poll of the ratepayers will shortly be taken on this matter. Palmerston and Mosgiel. —The Borough Councils at these places have augmented their gravitation supplies by sinking wells and pumping into reservoirs. Outram. —The Outram Town Board has instituted a completely new gravitation scheme to replace the old method of pumping from a well into a water-tower. Sanitary Works. The Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Board continues to reticulate areas in the suburbs as required. For some time the Tainui district has caused the Department considerable concern owing to its lowlying position rendering it liable to flooding. Storm-water drains are in the process of being laid, and it is confidently anticipated that this will obviate any trouble in future. Kaikorai Valley. —A considerable amount of work has been done in connection with the question of the riparian rights involved. Ohai. —The Wallace County Council has under consideration the installation of a sewerage system, nightsoil- and refuse-collection services for Ohai Township. It is expected that a start will shortly be made with these works. Balclutha. —The Borough of Balclutha has completed about one and a half miles of kerbing and channelling for the year. Mataura. —Good progress has been made towards the completion of a sewerage system, and the work should be completed within the next two months.

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