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Reports on 33 open-air classes were sent in by the visiting medical officers, out
of which the following report by Dr. Miriam Lawson on a contributory (Type A) class
held in Clissold Park is selected as an example giving an account of a successful
undertaking in open-air work.
Report on
Clissold Park
Open-air
class.
An open-air class was held in Clissold Park from May to October, 1927. It was
disbanded at the end of September owing to the bad weather conditions. The class
consisted of 39 children of varying ages from 9 to 13, drawn from seven schools
comprising 21 boys and 18 girls. The place chosen is one of London's most beautiful
parks, and it is eminently suitable for such a purpose. It is large, quiet in the
daytime and not too sheltered by trees, while for the children, the wallabies' pen
and the artificial waters are a never failing attraction. The bandstand in which the
classes are held is not without its disadvantages, but with improved screening would
be satisfactory even in such a bad summer as that of 1927. It is well raised off the
ground, but in bad weather the wind and rain blow through the gap which exists
between the roof and the top of the canvas curtains. Beds were provided and
blankets were obtained, so that the children could rest daily. Two of the three
essentials, rest, fresh air, and good food, were thus obtained, and after the first visit
milk was obtained for each child daily, thus taking a step in the direction of the third
essential. Some dinners were also obtained. Games and physical exercises were
organised in the park.
The majority of those attending suffered from general debility (22). Other types
were as follows in order of numbers : anaemia (6), bronchitis (5), asthma (3), otorrhœa
(1), T.B. gland (1), T.B. peritonitis (1) and morbus cordis (1). The class was medically
inspected in May, in July, and twice in September. Inspections were carried out in
a room provided by arrangement with the management of the refreshment rooms.
The height, weight and chest expansion were measured before each inspection.
The average gain in weight for the whole class was l.4kgs., and the gain in
height 3.1 cms. For boys the average was weight 1.2 kgs.; height 3.7 cms. For
girls the average was weight 1.6 kgs., height 2.3 cms. Average increase in chest
expansion, whole class 2 cms., girls 2.3 cms.; boys 1.84 cms.
From this it may be seen that girls increase in weight more than boys. This
may be accounted for by the fact that the average physique or standard of health
in this class was better in the case of girls than in that of the boys, and increase
of weight is, therefore, more rapid in cases which are better equipped. This is
borne out also by the results of cases with serious physical debility, e.g., asthma.
Of three cases one lost weight (1 kg.), one remained stationary, one gained 1 kg

In spite of the decidedly adverse weather conditions, this class has done more
than justify its existence. The children were physically much below the average
at the commencement, and the improvement in intelligence and alertness was as
noticeable as the improvement in physical condition.
There was a very good tone about this class, and a sense of enjoyment and
keenness which was very creditable to the teacher.