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136
becomes thoroughly apparent when it is realised that in all hospitals
for the treatment of infectious disease the windows of the wards are
kept open continuously in spite of the fact that there are always
additional means of ventilation available. It is a recognised thing
that abundant air supply is one of the most important factors in
contributing towards rapid and complete recovery from the infectious
fevers. Such a supply of fresh air is unquestionably quite as
important a preventive measure as it is a curative one. It is, of
course, undeniable that in the colder weather of winter it is a
difficult matter to control the ventilation of the room and yet maintain
it at a proper temperature. The tendency, however, is rather
in the wrong direction of sacrificing fresh air to heat. The system
of heating should be always such as to permit of the temperature
of the room being maintained in all its parts at a proper height
even though the windows are freely open.
Ventilation is equally important and is very often equally
disregarded in the cloak rooms and lobbies of the schools. The
need for this is especially noticeable in wet weather. The provision
oi heating apparatus for the drying of clothing is not sufficient to
effect the purpose alone; there must be a constant exchange of the
air of the cloak room to enable the moisture to be carried away.
With regard to sanitary conveniences the trough closet system
still exists in a considerable number of the schools. The Committee,
however, I am pleased to say, have resolved during the
past year to replace all of these trough closets with modern pedestal
rim flushing closets. The hygienic advantages of the latter type
of closet are conceded generally now, and the change is of
additional importance in that the use of such modern conveniences
inculcates upon the children habits of personal cleanliness in a
manner which the older type of convenience does not do.
The following is a report of the sanitary work carried out
during the year 1914 :—
St. Mary's School, Wellesley Road.
Infants' Department.
The sparge pipe to urinal has been repaired.
The rod eye of interceptor trap has been securely fixed.
Mixed Department.
The drain near N.E. corner of Church has been cleaned out.
The level of yard has been adjusted and the surface paved, with
falls to yard gullies, so as to prevent the accumulation of surface
water.
Several rain-water pipes were cleaned out and repaired.