View report page

154
The figures at the ages 5-7 and 12-14 are 'he most important
as the large numbers examined at those ages give a more reliable
average. The second annual report of the working of the school
dental clinic is given in a later paragraph.
JUVENILE EMPLOYMENT.
During 1914 the majority of the older boys inspected were
questioned by the Medical Officer as to employment; in a few
instances the head teacher had voluntarily filled in the necessary
information as to employment on the inspection cards beforehand.
The nature of the work, and the hours of employment were
also ascertained.
A fairly large number of boys are employed in connection with
shops as errand boys. Their hours of work vary. Some of them
are employed on Saturdays only and some on other days of the
week after school hours as well as Saturday. A number of boys
are also engaged throughout the week in the delivery of newspapers
and milk and in domestic work. This work is done chiefly in the
early morning and at night after school hours. Employment of
children is controlled by the Children's Act, 1903, and bye-laws
relating thereto. In every case where a child has seemed to be
suffering from ill effects as a result of employment, or where the
employment is dangerous or unhealthy, the case has been reported
to the Officer responsible for the administration of the above Act.
As a result of the special attention directed by this Officer and his
staff to offences against the Act and Bye-laws, there has been a
very considerable reduction in the number of cases of illegal
employment of children during the year.
As has been found in previous years, it is evident that the
early morning workers suffered from debility and heart-weakness
to an extent disproportionate to their numbers.
Questions elicited the information that the work was by no
means invariably a matter of necessity, but was sometimes undertaken
to earn pocket-money; such extra occupations were discouraged
whenever signs of overstrain were apparent.
MENTAL DEFICIENCY.
During the year all children seen in medical inspections in
whom there was reason to suspect mental deficiency or mental
backwardness have been referred to the School Medical Officer for
special examination. A very considerable number of such children
were upon medical examination found to be suffering from affections
other than mental deficiency which explained the apparent