H.—25.

At the direction of the War Cabinet, this camp has been leased to the Wellington Hospital Board as an emergency hospital during the critical war period. Nelson. —Since this camp was opened last year the Board has installed a fire-fighting and supplywater main, replaced electric range with an Aga cooker, carried out alterations and additions to the value of £286, and equipped the camp with beds and mattresses. The Board has under consideration a suggestion from the Cawthron Institute concerning the removal of trees which are considered a source of danger to life and property. Also the necessity for carrying out river-protection work to stop erosion. Glenelg.—On 9th December, 1941, the Board made a comprehensive tour of the grounds and buildings, and investigations were carried out concerning fire-escapes and general lay-out of grounds. After a conference with the Christchurch Central Council a decision was reached to proceed with the plans and specifications, and these are now awaiting the approval of the Building Controller before the alterations are carried out to provide accommodation for fifty children all the year, with an additional fifty during the summer months. Pursuant to a requisition from the Board of Health, the Heathcote County Council have built at the rear of the Board's property a reservoir which will provide the camp with an all-purposes watersupply and leave the supply of the existing reservoirs in case of emergency. The Heathcote -County Council have asked the Board to release the easement under which the Board is entitled to free water. It has been decided not to release the easement at present, but, in view of the amount the Heathcote County Council has spent in putting in a satisfactory water scheme, to reconsider the Council's proposals five years from the date the new reservoir comes into operation. Roxburgh.—This camp was officially opened by the Chairman on the 6th November, 1941, in the presence of a large assemblance of residents from Otago and Southland. Owing to the exceptional climatic conditions found in Central Otago, the original plans were altered to substitute concrete for fibrolite sheeting on the exterior walls. A swimming-pool, caretaker's cottage, garage, and sun-room have been added to the camp, while the water-supply problem is under consideration with the Borough Council. The property has been fenced, trees planted along the boundary, and ornamental shrubs placed about the grounds. Scheme 13 men have been employed to lay out the grounds and gardens, which with further cultivation will considerably reduce maintenance-costs. The Board also dealt with the following matters : — Caretaker Gardeners. —The Board decided that the amount remaining in the Fund, after all payments have been made to complete the authorized building programme, be used solely for maintenance of buildings and not for the payment of caretaker's wages while camps are not in occupation. Insurance of Board's Property.—All property belonging to the Board is covered by fire and war risks insurance. Memorial Plaques. —Memorial plaques in bronze for erection on gates or exterior of buildings and in hard plaster in colour to harmonize with the architectural surroundings in the interior of buildings are ready for distribution to the various camps. Education Department Subsidy.—The Education Department has refunded to the Board the cost of erecting school-rooms at Otaki, Gisborne, and Roxburgh. The Department also loaned school-room furniture, to the value of approximately £800, to the executives controlling the camps. Maintenance of Building-costs. —The Advisory Committee asked for a ruling on items covered by maintenance of building-costs and payable from the Fund. The Board decided that, since executives controlling health camps are required to provide a caretaker when the camp is not occupied, such items as window and door jambs and minor repairs can be carried out by the caretaker. Stocktaking.—Annual stocktaking of the Board's property has been carried out. All furniture and equipment bought by the Board was on hand and being well cared for by the executives controlling the camps. Executives have been advised that replacement of articles destroyed or damaged is the responsibility of the body vested with the control and management. Valuation of Board's Property.—At the request of the Board the Valuer-General has furnished the Board with a valuation of the property bought or acquired by the Fund. Finance. —The total disbursements for the year were £55,315 os. lid., and the interest on investments, together with donations and miscellaneous receipts, amounted to £12,082 9s. lid. thus leaving a balance in the Fund of £114,273 ss. lid. The Receipts and Payments Account, Income and Expenditure Account, and Balance-sheet as at the 31st March, 1942, are annexed hereto. A. H. Nordmeyer, Chairman, E. A. Dobbie, Secretary. 9th July, 1942.

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