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and publicly stated to be the opinion of the Health Department of New Zealand. Nevertheless accuracy in collecting and recording facts is essential, and of the utmost use in helping us to put our own house in order. That the writer of the above very interesting article recognizes this is shown by her concluding remarks : — " If anything I have said in the former paragraphs appears to condone New Zealand's annual loss of 150 to 160 mothers, let me correct that error and state —firstly, that the mortality we have calls for the earnest co-operation of practitioners, public-health officials, and the public themselves ; and, secondly, that the increasing dangers of modern midwifery constitute a call to the best of our doctors to. take up this difficult work, and necessitates a public enlightenment that will bring not only financial remuneration proportionate to the responsibility of the work, but also that sympathetic lav co-operation without which progress is impossible." I cannot conclude without expressing my sincere thanks to the many medical men and nurses who have by their suggestions and co-operation rendered me very material help in the not easy task of introducing reforms in old-established methods. I am sure they will not think me unreasonable if I ask not only for a continuance of that co-operation and help, but also for their influence among those members of their professions who are somewhat less ready to constructively criticize or accept new ideas. SECTION 3.— REPORT OF ELAINE GURR, M.8., BAD. SURG. (UNIV. N.Z.). I have the honour to report upon the work of the ante-natal clinics for the year ending 31st March, 1926 :— Administration . The work has been done in accordance with your instructions, and has been based upon the scheme outlined by the Inspector of Hospitals in his report on ante-natal work and maternity work. In Wellington and Christchurch Districts the clinics are established in connection with the State maternity hospitals, other maternity hospitals, and the Plunket Society. In Auckland District the clinics are conducted at the State Maternity Hospital, the Salvation Army Maternity Hospital, St. Mary's Home, Otahuhu, and St. John Ambulance. Staff. —A Nurse Instructor in the work has been appointed in each centre, and is responsible for training maternity nurses in ante-natal work. The Nurse Instructors supervise all clinical work, and instruct maternity nurses in ante-natal work. They visit all patients who are unable to attend the clinics, or who require special treatment or advice. In many ways the Nurse Instructor fulfils the duties of a Health Visitor, and is often a source of valuable information to the Medical Officer of Health in whose district she works. The main clinics at the State maternity hospitals are staffed by the Medical Officers, who are assisted by the Nurse Instructors and ante-natal-clinic nurses who have taken the course of training and qualified for ante-natal diplomas. The clinics established in connection with the Plunket Societies, St. John Ambulance, and maternity hospitals are staffed by nurses who have taken their ante-natal training, and each nurse acts as an assistant to the patient's medical attendant. The Nurse Instructors visit these clinics regularly in order to supervise the clinical work and to continue the ante-natal training. Training. —Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch maternity nurses are being trained in antenatal work. During the last year seventy-seven nurses took their training. Training country nurses : Recent .statistics have proved that there is a need for the extension of ante-natal work and the establishment of ante-natal clinics in the country districts. In furtherance of this scheme, arrangements are made whereby nurses from the country districts may be freed, when possible, from their duties in order to take ante-natal training, and relieving nurses will be supplied. Karitane training for Ante-natal clinic Nurse'lnstructors : It is arranged that, when possible, all ante-natal-clinic Nurse Instructors who have no special training in infant welfare work will take their training at the Karitane Home, Dunedin. Lectures. —■ Twelve lectures on the subject of ante-natal work are delivered each term by a Medical Officer, and in addition to the trainees any nurses who are interested in the work may attend. It is customary to notify the midwives and maternity nurses in each health district of the course of lectures, which is arranged to take the form of a " refresher course " for nurses. The syllabus of lectures is as follows : — (1.) Ante-natal work as .a branch of preventive medicine, and the aims and objects of antenatal work. (2.) The duties of an ante-natal-clinic nurse, and the equipment of an ante-natal clinic ; social-welfare work, and home visiting. (3.) Suggestions for an expectant mother ; " talks to mothers " ; advice to give a prospective mother regarding (a) general hygiene, (b) dental hygiene, (c) exercise, clothing, diet, (d) infant-feeding and preparation for nursing a baby. (4.) (a) Anatomy of the female reproductive organs and pelvis ; (b) embryology (brief outline of the utra uterine development and foetus, stressing development of bones, teeth, and organs, and how delicate cells may be damaged during pregnancy) anatomy of the female reproductive organs and pelvis.

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