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infection in humans ; with the most suitable forms of laboratory investigation to detect tubercle bacilli in various types of specimens ; and with a special survey to detect tuberculosis in the Royal New Zealand Navy personnel. The typing of bacilli as a means of finding the extent of bovine tuberculosis in humans has been completed at Auckland, and the results are to be published shortly. Similar work is to commence at Christchurch to gain the necessary .knowledge into this question in the South Island. When this is completed it should be possible to give a fair estimate of the extent of this type of tuberculosis as it affects patients in New Zealand. The Committee considers that improvement can be effected in the method to be adopted in laboratory investigation in the provincial and country hospitals in the sure detection of tubercle bacilli, and it is hoped to institute a particular research of this nature. An interim report on the incidence of tuberculosis amongst nurses has already been submitted to the Committee, and further consideration is being given to this question by an extended detailed examination of the medical history of each case reported from some of the larger hospitals. This preliminary report suggests that from the evidence which is at present available the following deductions can be made : (1) That the increase in incidence of notified cases of tuberculosis in nurses which has occurred during the years 1942-46 has been due to improved standards of case-finding and notification. (2) That although the standards of case-finding and control of tuberculosis in nurses in New Zealand hospitals as a whole are high, further improvement in measures of case-finding and control in in-patients and out-patients of hospitals is essential in the control of tuberculosis in nurses. (3) That the incidence of notified cases of tuberculosis in nurses in New Zealand compares favourably with that in other countries. (4) That the introduction of B.C.Gr. vaccination in nurses on a voluntary basis should assist in the reduction of the incidence of cases of pleurisy and erythema nodosum of tuberculous origin and of other manifestations of primary infection and possibly in the reduction in incidence'of cases arising from exogenous reinfection. This measure should not be allowed to replace other effective means of case-finding and control. Health Education of the Public and Patients in Tuberculosis Control The Tuberculosis Division has, with the co-operation of the Health Education Committee, shown considerable activity during the year. Pamphlets explaining the nature, effects, and methods required to control the disease have been printed and widely distributed. Radio talks in English and Maori have been broadcast and educational cinematograph films on tuberculosis have been widely screened. A documentary film, " Tuberculosis in the Maori," is in the course of preparation by the National Film Unit. In this connection much assistance has been given the Department by the tuberculosis associations which have now become established in various provinces, and in particular by Dr. R. S. Francis, Tuberculosis Officer, Eastern Area. These regional associations, guided by the Council of the New Zealand Tuberculosis Federation, have also supplied on their own initiative and expense valuable information to the public concerning tuberculosis. Over all it is felt that there is now in New Zealand an awareness of what tuberculosis is, of its effects, and how it should be controlled. With this knowledge, the elimination of the disease should be more easily accomplished.

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