19

E.—4

St. Mary's Industrial School, Auckland : Boys' Branch, Takapuna. Sir,— Auckland, Ist May, 1909. Visit was made to the orphanage for the purpose of inspecting, and 1 have much pleasure in stating that I found everything in perfect order—the sleeping-accommodation clean and airy, though at times rather overcrowded ; the outdoor arrangements in good order ; and kitchen, cooking, and dairy up to date. The children are all well and healthy, and have had practically no sickness during the past year. i have, &c, \V. Grattan Guinness, M.D., The Secretary for Education. Wellington. Medical Officer.

St. Mary's Industrial School. Auckland : Girls' Branch, Ponsonby. Sir,— Auckland, 14th May, 1909. I have the greatest pleasure in reporting on the above institution. I have gone most carefully over every department connected with the above establishment, and find each quite up to date. The domitories are well ventilated, lavatories scrupulously clean, with a plentiful supply of water, drainage good, &c. The children are well clad and all healthy-looking. The food is very good, with plenty of variety. I must say the institution is a great credit to the Sisters of Mercy, and splendidly conducted under the Superioress Sister Mary Francis. I have. &c, The Secretary for Education. Wellington. W. J. Darby. Hon. Physician.

Boys' Training-kahm. Wkraroa. Sir,— 4th May, 19<>9. For the year ending .'? 1 st March, 1909, 1 have to report that during the year there have been n<. cases of a very grave nature, and that the general health of the inmates—about a hundred and fifty i s good. There have been some cases of bowel-trouble, and I would again draw the attention of the Department to the unsatisfactory state of the water-supply. The filter-beds put in are not working satisfactorily. I have from time to time examined the food and living-rooms, and have at all times found things satisfactory. I would suggest that the erection of a swimming-bath would be of great use to the inmates of this institution, not only from the health standpoint, which would be considerable, but also on account of the fact that every boy should learn to swim, and there is no facility here for teaching swimming. The Manager and his staff have rendered me every assistance, and continue the same active and kindly interest in the lads. I have, &c, H. I). Mackenzie, M.D., Medical Officer. The Secretary for Education. Wellington.

St. Joseph's Industrial School (Girls), Wellington. Sir — Wellington, 6th May, 1909. I have the honour to submit the annual report on St. Joseph's Industrial School, Wellington. During the past year I have visited the school frequently, and have always found it in excellent order as regards ventilation and general sanitary arrangements. The dormitories and the various class, dining, and work rooms are kept at all times scrupulously clean : and the children appeal, as in former years, happy, well clad, and well nourished. The health of the children has been on the whole exceedingly good. There has been no epidemic disease. I have, however, to report two deaths from tubercular meningitis. One girl, L. D., aged .seventeen years, after having been in domestic service for some months, returned to the school on the 30th November, 1908, and from that time until the beginning of January suffered from general listlessness and apathy, with persistent constipation and occasional sickness and vomiting. She was kept under constant medical supervision, and received careful and attentive nursing : but as her symptoms became gradually more severe, I sent her on the sth January, 1909, into the Wellington Hospital, and she died there on the 19th January of tubercular meningitis. The second case was of a girl, I. F., of similar age, who was out at service, and returned to the school ill on the 4th April, 1909, on which day I saw her. As her condition was from the start very serious, I sent her, on the 6th April, into hospital, where she died on the 16th April of tubercular meningitis. These are the only cases of serious illness that have occurred throughout the year, and I consider it to be merely a coincidence that both should have been cases of tubercular meningitis. The present school building has been in use now for many years, and has become gradually hemmed in by the expansion of the city ; but I understand that the sisters are contemplating the erection, at no distant date, of a new school in more modern style and with more up-to-date equipment in the suburbs of the city. I need hardly say that this scheme receives my heartiest consent and support, as from a medical point of view a new institution in the country, with all the benefits accruing from increased accommodation, fresh air, and greater facilities for outdoor recreation, would be incomparably better than the present school, both for the children themselves and for the sisters who carry on the work of this school with such thoroughness and devotion. I have, <fee, P. Mackin, M.D., F.R.C.S., The Secretary for Education, Wellington. Medical Officer.