H.—s

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

BOARD OF HEALTH REPORTS. (UNDER SECTION 15 OF "THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1872.")

Presented to both Somes of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

AUCKLAND. No. 1. The Chaieman, Central Board of Health, Auckland, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 10th June, 1876. In conformity to section 15 of " The Public Health Act, 1873," I have the honor to forward the accompanying reports from the Central and Local Boards of this province. I have, &c, Eeadee Wood, (for the Chairman of the Central Board of Health.) The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, "Wellington.

Enclosure in No. 1. Eepoet of the Centeal Boaed of Health for the Phovince of Auckland. In accordance with section 15 of " The Public Health Act, 1872," are forwarded herewith copies of the reports furnished by the Local Boards of Health within this province, in regard to the health, cleanliness, and general sanitary state of the districts respectively under their jurisdiction. The generally good health of the inhabitants of the province during the past year may be attributed rather to the climate than to any other circumstance. There has been an outbreak of scarlet fever at Coromandel and at the Thames, and at the latter place a serious average of cases proved fatal. Very few cases have occurred in Auckland. It is supposed that this disease was brought by the ship " Dover Castle," in August, 1875. A large number of cases of typhoid (or enteric) fever have occurred in various parts of the province, but the mortality has been small. Many of the subjects of this disease were immigrants, recently arrived, whose constitutions had been somewhat weakened by the long voyage from England. The exciting cause of this disease is most probably to be found in the use of impure water for drinking purposes. It is true that in large centres of population the disease may be accelerated by imperfect drainage, bad smells, Ac. ; but it is remarkable that very many of the cases admitted into the Provincial Hospital have come from the most isolated localities. As regards the city of Auckland and the populous district of the Thames, it is anticipated that the water supply now being introduced into those places will greatly improve their sanitary condition, and remove many fruitful sources of disease. The appointment of a local analyst, and the facilities thus afforded for checking the adulteration of food, and more particularly of liquor, should also confer a great benefit upon the public health. The services of the two Inspectors under the Central Board have been continuously employed in visiting the various districts outside of the city limits, and iv attending to the abatement of nuisances of various kinds. In one or two instances only have tho Local Boards availed themselves of the gratuitous assistance of these officers; and it has been found not unfrequently that the powers conferred by the Act are not sufficient to cope with various nuisances calling for prompt and energetic measures. A separate hospital for infectious and contagious diseases has been erected, at the joint expense of the Provincial Government and City Council; but it is satisfactory to be able to report that the building has not yet been required for use. Regulations have been issued by the Board, under subsection 5 of section 21, directing the isolation of patients in cases of infectious disorders. Purther regulations have been asked for by the Local Boards at the Thames ; but it is questionable how far the Central Board can interfere with tho private rights of individuals in such matters. I—H. 5.