H. —31.

SECTION S.—GENERAL. Dental Health Education.—Officers of the School Dental Service have, as in previous years, given their attention to this important subject. During the year addresses have been given to various women's organizations and also over the air. By means of talks to classes, chair-side instruction, distribution of literature, and the use of coloured posters in clinics and schools, the attention of the children has been directed to the possibilities of preserving the teeth and reducing dental disease. They are taught that the dental salvation of the Dominion is not in the hands of the dental profession or of the school dental nurses. These can help by enabling individuals to experience for themselves the benefits of sound and healthy teeth, and they can point the way towards the goal of improved dental health, but this desirable goal can be reached only by personal effort on the part of individual parents and children in accordance with the principles that are taught them. Operative Work. —The officers responsible for supervising the work carried out in the clinics throughout the Dominion report very favourably on the high standard that is maintained. The dental nurses' operative work has also been favourably commented on from time to time by various disinterested members of the dental profession. This is satisfactory from the point of view of the public, and at the same time reflects credit on the quality of the teaching given to the dental nurses at the Department's training school. Resumption of Work in Haioke's Bay. —As noted in my last annual report, the work at Napier and Hastings had to be discontinued for the time being as a result of the earthquake. lam pleased to be able to report that the work has now been resumed at both centres. At Hastings a new and up-to-date clinic was erected by means of local subscription with the assistance of a Government subsidy, while at Napier the original accommodation has been reconditioned and is once more in commission. Stores and Equipment. —The standardizing of instruments, equipment, &c., that was carried out some years ago has proved eminently satisfactory, and moreover has resulted in a great saving of cost to the Department. It is pleasing to be able to report that instruments and equipment are very well kept. Replacements due to carelessness are remarkably few. Inspection of Dental Hospitals. —I recently commenced the inspection, on behalf of and by direction of the Department, of the dental departments of the various public hospitals. Observations in regard to this will be reserved until a later date when the inspection has been completed. Acknowledgment.—The voluntary assistance given during the year —a year of unusual difficulties and unexpected problems—by Dental Clinic Committees, School Committees, teachers, and by Education Boards and their staffs calls for the warmest acknowledgment from this Department, as does also that carried out by all other persons who in private, official, and semi-official capacities have, in the interests of the children, helped forward the activities of the School Dental Service. I cannot speak too highly of the splendid service rendered by all officers of the Division during the past year. Apart from the unsettling effect of the economic depression, a measure of disorganization occurred in practically all the clinics consequent on the change in the policy in regard to finance, and Dental Officers and dental nurses have shown commendable resource and initiative in adjusting the organization of their areas to meet the changed conditions. The officers of the administrative, instructional, and clerical staffs have carried out their duties with their usual zeal and ability, and I am grateful for their loyal support and assistance during a very difficult year. J. LI. Saunders, Director, Division of Dental Hygiene.

PART VI.-NURSING.

I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1932. The past year, owing to the period of financial difficulty through which the Dominion is passing, has been one of considerable retrenchment. Several senior officers have been retired whose positions have not been replaced, and to enable the same service to be given to the public a great deal of internal reorganization of staff has taken place. This every one has entered into whole-heartedly, making every endeavour to overcome the difficulties presented. Nurses and Midwives Registration Board. There have been four Board meetings during the year. Personnel.—The year opened with the personnel of the Board as follows : Dr. M. H. Watt (Chairman), Dr. W. Young, Miss E. P. Tennent, Miss H. Newman, Miss R. Muir, Mr. W. Wallace, Miss M. Lambie (Registrar), Mr. J. W. Buchanan (Secretary). The term of office of Dr. Young, Miss Tennent, and Miss Newman was completed in October, 1931. The Government reappointed Dr. Young and, on the recommendation of the New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association, Miss Tennent for a second term and Miss Morgan, Matron of the Alexandra Home, Wellington. At the December meeting Dr. Watt (the Chairman) in welcoming Miss Morgan to the Board, also expressed the Board's very great appreciation of Miss Newman's work during the past three years. 5 -H. 31.

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