“I am directed by the Hon. the Minister of Health, Chairman of this Board, to inform you that, acting upon the recommendation of the Board, he has decided to appoint a special Committee from among the members of the Board to conduct an inquiry into the question of venereal diseases in New Zealand.  The following members are being asked to become members of the Committee, and the Chairman trusts you will see your way to accept the position:  Dr. Valintine, Dr. Elliott, Lady Luke, Hon. Mr. Triggs, Sir Donald McGavin, Mr. Fraser.  The Hon. the Minister has asked the Hon. Mr. Triggs to accept the chairmanship of the Committee.

     “I am further directed to state that the function and duty laid
     upon the Committee is as follows:—­

     “(1.) To inquire into and report upon the prevalence; of venereal
     disease in New Zealand.

     “(2.) To inquire into and report any special reasons or causes for
     the existence of venereal disease in New Zealand.

     “(3.) To advise as to the best means of combating and preventing
     venereal disease in New Zealand, and especially as to the necessity
     or otherwise of fresh legislation in the matter.

“The Minister of Health is anxious that the Committee should hear such evidence and representations on the above-mentioned matters as may be necessary to fully inform the Committee on the items referred to it, and with respect to which it is asked to report, and he further suggests to the Committee that the various organizations and persons likely to be interested should be notified that the Committee will, at a certain place and date, in Wellington, hear any evidence they may desire to tender.”

The Committee regrets that owing to ill health Dr. Valintine, Director-General of Health, was unable to act as one of its members.  His place was taken by Dr. J.P.  Frengley, Deputy Director-General of Health.  Unfortunately, illness also overtook Mr. Murdoch Fraser, who has been unable to attend the sittings of the Committee since the middle of August.  The remaining members have been present at all sittings of the Committee, details of which are appended in the following table:—­

--------------------------------+----------------------

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Places and Dates of Sittings.  |     Witnesses examined or Work done.
--------------------------------+---------------------------

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Wellington, 26th July, 1922     | Preliminary meeting.
(forenoon only)            |
Wellington, 8th August, 1922    | Dr. M.H.  Watt, Director, Division of
(forenoon only)            |   Public Hygiene.
| Dr. B.F.  Aldred, Officer in Charge
|   Venereal Diseases Clinic. 
Wellington, 9th August, 1922    | Hon. Dr. W.E.  Collins, M.L.C.
(forenoon only)            | Mr. J. Caughley, M.A., Director of
|   Education. 
Auckland, 17th August, 1922     | Dr. Falconer Brown, Officer in Charge