H.—3l.

Several amendments to the regulations are being undertaken. It has been found necessary, owing to the free sale and persistent advertising of certain medicines containing thyroid extract, to require that the label shall bear a warning that the substance should not be used except under medical direction. This is to guard against the possibility of the user bringing about a dangerous condition in the attempt to remove what may be merely an uncomfortable one. Lysol is also being standardized in order to ensure a reasonable degree of efficiency, as there are now many manufacturers using this name for a disinfectant. Other amendments of a minor nature have to do principally with details of administration. Thanks are again due to the Comptroller of Customs and the Dominion Analyst and their officers for valuable assistance and advice. Sanitary Administration.—Reports received from the various Medical Officers of Health appear to show steady improvement in the sanitary conditions generally throughout the Dominion. The year has been a light one in respect of infectious-disease outbreaks, sanitary installations, and the erection of public and private buildings. I desire to again express 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, 1932. Staff. The permanent staff consists of a Director, eleven School Medical Officers, and twenty-six school nurses. Owing to the necessity for economy, it was unfortunately not possible to replace during the year officers who retired. Drs. Wilkie and Collier have retired on superannuation, during the year. A new Health unit has been created at Whangarei, where Dr. Duncan Cook acts as Medical Officer of Health and School Medical Officer. Dr. Emma Irwin was transferred to act as School Medical Officer, Nelson. Dr. Kathleen Abbott was appointed to the Southland District. Dr. Elizabeth Gunn was absent abroad on leave. There were several changes in the School Nursing Service: Miss Inglis, who held the combined post of Eed Cross nurse and school nurse, Taranaki, was transferred to the position of Matron, Pukeora Sanatorium, Miss Small, school nurse, Nelson, taking her place ; Misses Petersen and Mandeno were transferred to the District Nursing Service ; Miss Willis, school nurse, retired on superannuation during the year. There has been some alteration in the organization of the work of the School Nursing Service, more especially in rural areas, where arrangements have been made for the district Health nurse to act as school nurse for her district. As a result of the closer association of the district nurse with the people of her district it is hoped to secure better supervision and following-up. It is also anticipated that economy in travelling-expenses will be effected. Figures relating to Work accomplished in 1931. The following summary serves to indicate the extent of work accomplished during the school period, February to December, 1931 :— Schools inspected— Of roll under 100 .. .. .. .. .. 998 Of roll 100 to 500 .. .. .. .. .. 382 Of roll over 500 .. .. .. .. .. 119 1,499 Children examined — Complete examinations .. .. .. .. 72,077 Partial examinations .. .. .. .. ..36,196 108,273 Number of notifications sent to parents .. .. .. .. 43,429 Number of addresses to school-children .. .. .. . . 584 Number of parents interviewed .. .. .. .. .. 13,883 Number of lectures or addresses to parents .. .. .. .. 22 The figures for the work of the school nurses are as follow :— Number of days assisted Medical Officer in schools .. .. .. 1,735 Number of children examined for medical schedule (H. 529) .. .. 95,145 Number of children examined by special request .. .. .. 9,110 Number of children re-examined after Medical Officer's inspection .. 44,055 Number of visits paid to homes in— Large towns .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,362 Small country towns .. .. .. .. .. 2,724 Scattered districts .. .. .. .. .. 1,799 14,885 Number of children taken personally to hospital, &c. .. .. .. 1,076 Number of children taken personally to dental clinic .. .. .. 646 Number of Health talks given .. .. .. .. .. 476

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