H.—3l.

PAHIATUA. On takin» into consideration that no drainage scheme exists in this borough the sanitary condition is not so bad. The Borough Council should certainly submit to the ratepayers a scheme for the introduction of good, water into the town. The water from many of the wells in Paniatua is unfit for human consumption. MASTERTON. This borough has lately been provided with a modern system of water-supply and drainage. The septic tanks appear to be working well. CARTERTON. A poll of the ratepayers has lately decided on a public water-supply. The inhabitants are to be congratulated on this decision, for many of the wells from which the inhabitants derive their water-supply are by no means above suspicion. GREYTOWN. This is an undrained town, and the water in some of the wells is doubtful. Some cesspools have been abolished, and septic tanks substituted. There are still some cesspools to be filled m. With these exceptions the sanitary condition of the town is fair. ELTHAM. The sanitary condition of this newly formed borough is considerably better than it was a year ago. The Borough Council are about to submit a water and sewerage scheme to the ratepayers. Besides the abovementioned towns, the following places have been visited and reported on: Tikorangi, Waitara, Toko, Tariki, Waverley, Waitotara, Aramoho, Pipiriki, Mangaweka, Taihape, Ohingaiti, Hunterville, Pohangina, Kimbolton, Longburn, Levin, Otaki, Johnsonville, Pigeon Bush, Featherston, Kaiwaiwai, Martinborough, Eketahuna, Mangatainoka, Ballance. Outside the Wellington Health District—Gisborne, Auckland, Dannevirke, Waipukurau. In addition, the following°places have been visited by Inspector Kendall: Inglewood, Hawera, Midhirst, Opunake, Patea, Manaia, Foxton, Normanby. It may be added that, although many matters relating to the sanitation of the district have, owing to want of time, barely been inquired into, yet the results of the work of the past year show that a considerable proportion of the public take a lively interest in matters relating to the public health. This augurs well for the future. The writer cannot allow this report to conclude without expressing his hearty appreciation of the services rendered by Sanitary Inspectors Kendall and Schauer, nor without expressing his thanks to Mr. Horneman and his staff for their hearty cooneration in face of a stress of work that has sometimes been severe. T. H. A. Valintine, D.Ph. M.8.C.5., L.E.C.P. Lond.

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT. Ebpoet of Acting District Health Officer. Blenheim, 20th June, 1902. Although a Health Officer had been appointed by the Borough Council in 1900, very little was done, and very little interest was taken in matters pertaining to the public health. In July, 1901, an epidemic of enteric fever alarmed the public, and Dr. Mason, Chief Health Officer for the colony, was asked to visit Blenheim, and to make a report on the sanitary condition of the town. In a lengthy report Dr. Mason very conclusively proved that the town's condition as to sanitation was far°from good, and he made recommendations with a view to improvements. The report was adopted by the Council, and Dr. Mason was thanked for his services. In August I was appointed Acting District Health Officer for Marlborough, and it became my duty to see that the wishes of the Chief Health Officer were complied with. I was instructed not to hurry the persons concerned unduly, but to keep their attention directed towards the necessary work. With the exception of the filling-up of Collie's Hollow and Lock-up Creek, and of the adoption of the sealed-pan system of removing of nightsoil, all the work ordered had been executed. The filling-up of the above places is a big undertaking, but the Council are only waiting for a report from the Public Health Department as to the best scheme to adopt with regard to the sealed-pan system. The Council are awaiting the visit of an expert from Auckland. I have also to report the following matters: — 1. Vaccination is practically a dead-letter throughout the district. 2. Infectious Diseases. —During the months of October and November epidemics of measles, scarlatina, and influenza broke out. The Notification Act was ignored, but, as far as I could ascertain, there were no fatal cases. Since then an occasional case has occurred, and three cases of enteric fever have been reported. One case of enteric occurred at Havelock, with fatal results. Mr. Middleton, Sanitary Inspector, visited Havelock and reported. His report was sent on to the local authority, with the request that the recommendations be carried out. Under the instructions of the Chief Health Officer, I have from time to time examined passengers holding licenses from quarantined ships. On 20th May the s.s. " Nambueca," from Sydney, was inspected and fumigated at the Wairau bar,

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