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Dirt and vermin.—Chiefly pediculosis capitis were the cause of 122 cases (3.3 per cent of all) being
referred back. Only 9 of these were boys. Some were still uncleansed on being seen a second time.
27 girls presenting themselves as probationer scholars were classed as dirty or verminous. Skin
diseases were not included in this classification.
Miscellaneous causes.—Ringworm (3), favus (3), and other skin diseases were noted. Enlarged
thyroid gland was the cause of reference in several cases. Curvature of the spine, some cases with
subnormal hearing, some with slight defects in speech, others presenting anaemia or debility, but the
cases bad enough to be doubtful and require reference back under these heads were few.
Cases rejected.—Of those rejected there were 41 (1.1 per cent. of all). In 21 the rejection was
absolute, and in 20 it was conditional. The candidates were rejected as future teachers, but the Committee
was asked to decide as to scholarship award.
The chief cause of rejection was valvular disease of the heart. Rheumatic valvular disease of
the heart was held to disqualify. Several cases, where indications of organic valvular trouble were
present, in the absence of any rheumatic history, were passed, although they would have to be disqualified
as teachers.
General dehcacy, a phthinoid formation of chest, and the presence of traces of lung disease
disqualified three. In two of these cases the father had recently died of phthisis. Other causes of
rejection were high or progressive myopia, actual lung disease, old paralysis, and in one case general
feebleness and debilitated health.
Almost every doubtful case was seen and consulted over by the examiner and myself or my
assistant before a decision was reached. In each case, when any further enquiry or appeal was made
through any channel, on becoming aware of it, the child and parents were invited to attend for a further
investigation. No decision to reject was arrived at except after the utmost deliberation, and until all
facts had been taken into consideration.
Medical examination of candidates for scholar ships.—Candidates for scholarships should be of
good health and nutrition, and the expansion of the chest should be good.
They should be examined as to personal cleanliness of the skin and hair, and as to condition of
the teeth.
No person should be acceptable who presents marked trouble due to obstructed nasal breathing,
enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or who suffers from chronic discharges from the ears.
Disease of the lungs or uncompensated valvular disease of the heart should not be admissible.
Good hearing and vision (wearing spectacles if necessary as prescribed by a doctor) should be
required.
Concave glasses exceeding 6 dioptres and cylinders exceeding 3 dioptres should not be allowed.
References.—In addition to the "First" examinations, 555 references have been dealt
with; these relate to the health of employes already in the service of the Council.
Special schools cases.—837 examinations have been made at this office owing to the fact
that all cases nominated for admission to residential schools are seen by me; also cases referred from
local centres who require detailed examination, particularly in regard to hearing and vision, and cases
referred by magistrates and committees are seen here.

Each of the residential schools has now to be visited at least once in three months by the Medical
Officer (Education).
THE GENERAL MEDICAL INSPECTION.
The twenty local assistant medical officers (Medical Inspectors) appointed last summer began
their duties on 1st September, 1905. Each of these officers has to visit the schools of one district,
spending three school sessions weekly in such work and making a weekly report on the schools visited.
This report is now for convenience returned on a printed form.
The head teachers were instructed to make hsts of all the children known to them as being in
any way defective and present them for medical inspection. Children suffering merely from defective
vision were not to be included in' the lists.
The general routine is for the Medical Inspector to visit the school department; go round the
premises and see the classes at work : take note of all hygienic matters, and then inspect the children
wnose names appear on the teachers' hsts.