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Wellington.—Of 1,588 samples from Wellington City and suburban suppliers, 17 were low in fat, 25 contained added water, 19 were stale, and 3 deficient in milk solids without containing added water. Of 980 samples from country districts, 21 were low in fat and 12 contained added water. Special attention was paid to school supplies for children. Canterbury and Westland. —The number of samples taken in Christchurch City and suburbs as 1,738, of which 36 were low in fat, 25 contained added water, and 32 were stale, while 58 were slightly deficient in some respect. Of 944 samples taken in country districts, including the West Coast, 16 were low in fat, 15 were watered, 35 were stale, and 53 slightly sub-standard. The general quality of the supply in Christchurch City and suburbs has shown improvement as the result of regular sampling and co-operation with the Department of Agriculture. A considerable proportion of the milk now sold is pasteurized and the phosphatase test is applied as a routine measure. A few cases of failure to label pasteurized milk were observed. School Milk-supply : Samples of the milk have been taken both before and after pasteurization, and also regularly at the farms. The farm inspection has led to the elimination of unsatisfactory supplies. Otago and Southland. —The number of samples was considerably greater than in the preceding year, and the proportion which did not comply with the regulations was also greater. In an unusually large number of cases the addition of water as detected. Formalin was found in one sample. Of 1,096 samples taken in Dunedin City and suburbs, 17 were low in fat, 36 contained added water, 12 were stale, and 79 were slightly below standard. Of 631 samples taken in country districts, 29 were low in fat, 11 contained added water, 3 were stale, and 74 slightly below standard. School Milk-supply : Phosphatase and Storch tests applied to samples of the milk supplied to school-children showed that pasteurization was being efficiently carried out. Water. The waters submitted during the year were principally from proposed or existing town supplies, but also included several from school tanks and wells, from Public Works camps, and from Maori settlements. Two interesting samples came from Te Whanga Lagoon, Chatham Islands, and from Eaoul Island, Kermadec Group. Special waters were examined for suitability for washing flax, also for use in a hospital laundry. The effect of water on copper hot-water cylinders was investigated for the Housing Department, and a preliminary report given. Sewage effluents from meat by-products and woolscouring works were examined. Group Investigations. Special series of investigations were undertaken during the year with regard to the following groups : — Cornflour. —Reports from, abroad indicated that in some countries cornflour was treated with sulphur dioxide in the process of manufacture. Several brands on the local market were therefore examined, but found to be free of this bleaching-agent and preservative. Dried Fruit.—As many brands as possible of dried fruit sold locally were also examined for the presence of sulphur dioxide, a small amount of which, seven grains per pound, is permitted by regulations. Most of the samples were entirely free, and in three cases only were the amounts found appreciably in excess of the permitted quantity. lodized (Safe.—Eighty-eight samples of iodized salt, representing all available brands, twenty-four in number, on the local market, were obtained from various townships in the Wellington, Palmerston North, Taranaki, and Gisborne Health Districts. The proportion of iodide required by the regulations is one part by weight of potassium iodide in 250,000 parts of salt. In a few cases different samples of the same brand showed considerable differences in iodide content, due possibly to insufficient care in bulk mixing. In another case deficiencies were considered to have resulted from loss due to prolonged storage in bags. Irregularities in the composition of one brand were traced to loss of iodide by absorption in the cardboard of the container. The respective manufacturers were informed in each case, and will, no doubt, take measures to ensure full compliance with regard to iodide content. The greater proportion of the samples complied reasonably with the regulations. Liquid Paraffin. Twenty-six samples were examined. One had a lower viscosity than is required by the British Pharmacopoeia, and three others did not give satisfactory colour test with sulphuric acid. The remainder were satisfactory in all respects. Lime Water. —Thirty-eight samples were submitted to the Wellington Laboratory. Three contained chloride, indicating probably that tap water had been used instead of distilled, in the preparations. Four were appreciably deficient in lime, and another four slightly deficient. In view of the frequent use of lime water in. infant feeding it is most important that every care should be taken in its preparation and storage prior to sale. Solid and Powdered Dentifrices. —The solid dentifrices consisted of precipitated chalk with either magnesia or very fine clay, incorporated in a soap and slightly perfumed. No harmful abrasive substances were detected in any of them, and in no case were any accompanied by extravagant advertising matter. The powdered dentifrices consisted of white or coloured precipitated chalk, with the addition, except in one case, of magnesia. All were slightly perfumed. One gave a strong reaction for peroxide, which is regarded as safe and satisfactory in cleansing teeth and gums. Of two others labelled as containing peroxide, one definitely contained none and the other a mere trace. In none were harmful ingredients detected, and the advertising matter contained no extravagant claims,

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