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'that, owing to the incorporation of the result of these examinations with the findings for "Children, we are unable this year to furnish a record for all kindergarten children examined. The percentage of defects found does not differ greatly from that noted in children entering the primary schools. Dr. Elizabeth Grunn, of Wanganui, held throughout the year an advisory clinic for pre-school children. In Christchurch the children attending St. Andrew's free kindergarten continued to benefit from regular sun-bathing under the supervision of Miss Cora Wilding, Dr. Phillipps being medical referee. Medical Examination of Applicants foe Entbance into Teaching Profession. Medical examination of applicants for entrance into the teaching profession was again carried out. The physical condition of applicants has been dealt with in previous reports. Reports of School Medical Officers this year will be referred to the Education Department for transmission to the various education centres. The questionnaire submitted to candidates for obtaining information regarding daily routine of pupils at secondary schools—e.g., hours of study, rest, sleep and recreation, &c. — will also be forwarded to the Education Department for consideration. Physical Education. Every effort is made to co-operate with the physical instructors of the Education Department. Considerable difficulty exists, however, in establishing special remedial classes for postural defects owing to the limited staff available at primary schools, headmasters finding it impossible to allocate a teacher for this purpose. It is practically impossible under existing conditions to obtain assistance from the special training in physical education undergone by third-year training - college students. Goitre. Routine examination gives an incidence of 13-3 per cent. On the West Coast Dr. McLaglan notes definitely higher incidence in goitre than in Buller district. Dr. Stevenson, of Dunedin, has forwarded some interesting observations 011 the subject of " The Incidence and Treatment of Flat Foot." Mentally Backward Children. A considerable amount of work has been done in association with the Education and Mental Hospitals Departments since the passing of the Mental Defectives Amendment Act, 1928, in arranging for the expert examination of various groups of problem children (feeble-minded, deliquent, &c.), and in recommending provision, institutional or otherwise, suitable for their needs. The School Hygiene Division wishes to express appreciation to the Education Department, Mental Hospitals Department, various Education Boards, School Committees, and teachers for much valuable co-operation. A. G. Paterson, Director, Division of School Hygiene.

PART IV.—HOSPITALS.

The outstanding work of the year just closed was the earthquake in Hawke's Bay. Enough has been written and recorded about the calamity elsewhere, but the chief feature from my point of was the disastrous result to the hospital. This was wholly put out of action, and a temporary hospital was stablished at the Napier Park Racecourse. The number of patients here was at all times kept down to a minimum by transferring patients to hospitals in other districts. The establishment was looked upon as being merely temporary, so when the first rush was over the question of finding another and more suitable site for a temporary but at the same time a more permanent type of hospital was considered. After various schemes had been investigated it was decided to make use of the wooden T.B. shelters on the old hospital-site as a nucleus. This was done, and as soon as possible the Napier Park Hospital was closed. A temporary hospital was also in existence at Hastings, and the staff of Royston Private Hospital rendered valuable service in this institution. An experience such as this earthquake is unique in the hospital history of the country, and it speaks volumes for those concerned that as far as I am aware no instance of lack or even delay of treatment of the many injured occurred. The question of reinstating the permanent hospital facilities of this district is under discussion, but at present with the facilities available locally plus the assistance of neighbouring Hospital Boards, a reasonable number of beds is available.