H.—3l

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Food and Drugs.—The usual amount of routine sampling has been carried out, and the results indicate that, in general, no serious manipulation or adulteration of foodstuffs is prevalent. Importers are becoming more alive to the necessity of making inquiries before importing new lines, thereby avoiding difficulties in meeting regulation standards and labelling requirements. The City Councils of Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin each have their own officers specially appointed under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act for the purpose of regular milksampling in collaboration with the respective Medical Officers of Health. The weighing of foodstuffs, including bread, is being continued by the Department of Labour in conjunction with its regular activities under the Weights and Measures Act. Thanks are again due to the Comptroller of Customs and the Dominion Analyst and their officers for valuable assistance and advice. Dangerous Drugs. —The regulations are now in force, and follow closely those existing in England and the Australian States. Everything possible has been done to provide every one concerned with full advice as to their responsibilities. I desire to record my appreciation of the continued loyal and able co-operation of the Medical Officers of Health and their staffs. T. McKibbin, Director, Division of Public Hygiene. PART lII.—SCHOOL HYGIENE. I have the honour to report on the work of the Division of School Hygiene for the year ended 31st March, 1929. Staff. The permanent staff consists of a Director, twelve School Medical Officers, and thirty-one school nurses. In addition to this staff, Dr. Helen Dougall acts as junior School Medical Officer, Wellington, and Dr. Phyllis Moir as junior School Medical Officer, Otago (temporary appointments). During the year Dr. Elaine G-urr resigned from the position of School Medical Officer, Hawke's Bay, in order to enter private practice. Dr. Collier, School Medical Officer, Southland, was transferred to Hawke's Bay, Dr. Collier's place being filled by the appointment of Dr. Catherine Anderson. There have been during the year several resignations and fresh appointments in the School Nursing Service. Dr. Mecredy continues to act in the dual capacity of Medical Officer of Health and School Medical Officer for Taranaki. A new separate health unit has also been created, with centre at Gisborne, Poverty Bay. Dr. Turbott, who is in charge of this district, acting as both Medical Officer of Health and School Medical Officer. Figures relating to Work accomplished in 1928. The following summary serves to indicate the extent of work accomplished during the year : — Schools inspected — Of roll under 100 .. .. .. . . .. 1,010 Of roll 100 to 500 .. ■.. .. .. .. 394 Of roll over 500 1 .. .. .. .. .. 159 1,563 Children examined —- Complete examinations .. .. .. .. 67,709 Partial examinations .. .. .. .. .. 39,980 107,689 Number of notifications sent to parents .. .. .. .. 46,363 Number of addresses to school-children .. .. .. .. 946 Number of parents interviewed . . .. ■ .. .. 11,876 Number of lectures or addresses to parents .. .. .. .. 76 The figures for the work of the school nurses are as follows : — Number of days assisted Medical Officer in schools .. .. .. 1,659 Number of children examined for medical schedule (H. 529) .. .. 88,786 Number of days engaged wholly in clerical work .. .. .. 1,351| Number of children re-examined after Medical Officer's inspection .. 46,155 Number of visits to homes inLarge towns .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,250 Small country towns .. .. .. .. .. 2,958 Scattered districts .. .. .. .. .. 1,811 15,019 Number of children taken personally to hospital .. .. . . 363 Number of children taken personally to dental clinic or dental hospital .. 682