H.—3l.

" Apart from inspections to ensure satisfactory storage and distribution of milk at the schools, a check was kept on the weight and height of 800 children being supplied with milk, and also about 1,000 children at schools which were not supplied with milk. The results were:— Schools which received Milk— Weight. Height. Percentage gained, 58-8 per cent. Percentage gained, 78-3 per cent. Percentage stationary, 13-2 per cent. Percentage stationary, 21-7 per cent. Percentage decreased, 28 per cent. Schools which did not receive Milk— Weight. Height. Percentage gained, 34 per cent. Percentage gained, 79 per cent. Percentage stationary, 12 per cent. Percentage stationary, 21 per cent. Percentage decreased, 54 per cent. " It is interesting to note that the pupils in the schools which did not receive milk held their own as far as height was concerned, but with 'those who received milk a greater proportion gained definitely in weight in comparison with the other group. " I have to point out that the period covered by the investigation was a very short one and there was a possibility of other factors coming into play—for example, the weighings were carried out with the children fully clothed. Steps were taken as far as practicable to allow for this factor, but it is possible that some degree of inexactness in the weights may have been recorded. " The scheme at first arranged to supply about 5,500 children in October, but later the scheme was extended to other schools. The children up to Standard IV were supplied with approximately half a pint of milk; but there was generally a surplus which was given to children in the higher standards who desired it or were of poor physique. " Samples of milk being distributed to the schools were submitted for chemical and bacteriological analysis. The lowest bacteriological count was 650 colonies per c.c. Taking for example twelve samples, ten were under 20,000 bacterial count, one under 30,000, and one about 100,000. " The chemical analysis shows that the milk samples were of a high standard. " It is obvious that the open method of distributing milk from cans is unsatisfactory in any case, and especially pasteurized milk, and in school under the existing conditions it is liable to entail serious risks to health. The pasteurized milk should be delivered only in bottles or other sealed containers at any time. In many parts of the world the milk is supplied to school-children in bottles and " straws " are provided, and the bottles should be returned to the depots as soon as possible for cleansing and sterilizing." Poisons Act and Regulations.—The Poisons Act, 1934, which came into force on Ist April, 1935, is being brought into effective operation. The licensing of wholesalers, or storekeepers selling " farm " poisons, and of storekeepers requiring an extended license when situated more than five miles from the nearest chemist, has been established. Considerable attention has been given to the preparation of regulations relating principally to labelling, packing, storage, and transport, and full opportunity now having been given to all concerned to consider the proposals and to make any representations, the draft is practically ready for submission to the Executive Council. Dangerous Drugs. — The wholesale and retail dealers have co-operated with the Department in the administration of the Dangerous Drugs Act and regulations. Inspection of the registers shows that an endeavour has been made to see that the records are promptly and accurately kept. Health Education. —This sphere of the Department's activities has received close attention. Through the publication and distribution of maternal welfare, school medical service, and dental hygiene literature an endeavour has been made to educate an extensive section of the population in health matters affecting their children and themselves. The weekly health talks from 2YA by the Department's representative and the radio addresses given by the School Medical Officers in the educational sessions arranged by the Broadcasting Board represent an important aspect of this work. Articles of a public health nature have been contributed to the press, and officers have delivered many addresses to various organizations. Information has been supplied on New Zealand public health work to overseas authorities and visitors to the Dominion. The great progress that has been made in the production of cinematograph films suitable for the education of public health workers and the general public suggests that in the future something might be undertaken in this direction. A number of new books and publications have been added to the Department's library, thereby increasing its reference value to officers. Further reference to the subject of health education will be found in some of the divisional reports. The New Zealand Branch of the Royal Sanitary Institute.—The New Zealand Branch of the Royal Sanitary Institute, formed in 1934, is exerting a sound educational influence among its members. " Programmes of lectures and discussions have been carried out in various centres and the Institute's Journal is providing a useful means for the dissemination of technical knowledge on public health subjects. It is a matter of satisfaction that the

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