49

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In December nine persons in the city took ill after a Sunday afternoon repast. Cream was the common article partaken of. Evidence showed that the cream, was above reproach prior to entering 'the house. Unfortunately, no cream was available for bacteriological examination. Exhaustive inquiry led to the conclusion that the cream was infected in the house where consumed. Several of the cases reported during the year were severely ill in bed for three to four days. No deaths resulted. DIARRHQIA AND ENTERITIS. Diarrhoea and enteritis (under two years) in Wellington urban areas : The. favourable position of Wellington may be noted. This may perhaps be due to some extent to the use of pasteurized milk. I understand that a certain proportion of milk is also pasteurized in Dunedin. in Wellington 66 per cent, is pasteurized. I am informed that Plunkct nurses now notice a decreased prevalence of infantile diarrhoea in Wellington City. To the municipal milk-supply some credit is due. Hospital Accommodation for Infectious Disease. With regard to phthisical cases generally, the provisions of more special accommodation at public hospitals is to be recommended. There are many cases of the disease too advanced for sanatorium treatment, and which should be more specially provided for in public hospitals. Concerning sanatoria, it would appear that in the North Island better provision exists for male cases than for female. Wellington City. Sanitary Inspectors Staff. —Since the death of Inspector Watson the City Council Sanitary Department has been to a certain extent disorganized. Inspector Parnell has been appointed Chief Plumbing and Sanitary Inspector. I have had various interviews with Councillors and officials, and communications with regard to increased efficiency. The attention of the Council has been especially drawn to the necessity for improved routine inspection, the supervision of stables, and the enforcement of requirements with regard to garbage-receptacles. As far as possible supervisory measures are being undertaken by officers of this Department. Throughout the year frequent inspections were made by tho Medical Officer of Health in company with Inspectors of the Council. Tho condemnation of several buildings has been authorized. In the course of a year a considerable number of complaints concerning city matters are made to this office. These are invariably closely investigated, referred to the Council, and followed up by our Inspectors. This also gives quite an insight into sanitary matters in the metropolitan area. Garbage-disposal. —The much-vexed question of improved garbage-carts has again been recently discussed. The difficulties in a city of hills like Wellington are enormous. The late Mr. Morton, whilst on a world tour some three years ago, apparently did not see a type of vehicle suitable to Wellington requirements. Some improvements may result as the result of a recent decision by the Council with reference to garbage vehicles. The attention of the Council has been directed to the probability that an improved system of routine inspection would to a great extent diminish the quantity of waste material collected during the annual clean-up days. Offensive Trades. I am glad to state that local bodies are introducing effective by-laws with a view to registration. From personal inspection I can state that the standards are improving. The possible establishment of premises in undesirable localities is now well provided against. Sale of Food and Drugs. In town and country considerable time has been given to this sphere of work. Inspections by the Medical Officer of Health have been made in all parts of the district. Particular attention was given to bakehouses ; improvements of buildings, &c., are effected from time to time. In Wellington City certain bakehouses are not entirely satisfactory as regards premises. A list of these has been prepared, and it is hoped to require new buildings as the terms of lease expire. With the advent of electrical power the installation of fans is stressed, particularly in butchers' and cake shops. Milk. As opportunity offered inspections of Wellington near-by farms have been made by the Medical Officer of Health. Inspector Cowdrey has co-operated with the Department of Agriculture. There is need for much improvement. It is noted that an increasing number of proseeutionsjare being'brought forward by the Department of Agriculture with reference to unclean production. It is to be remembered that about 50 per cent, of the city milk is now delivered in bottles, which it is safe to say comply with our standards. The near-by farmer has reaped af rich harvest and proved a most serious competitor, supplying at least 33 per cent, of the total milk consumedjn city

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