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10
NUTRITION.
Out of the children in the several groups for routine medical inspection, the
cards of 833 were marked for re examination by reason of weight and physique
being unsatisfactory. Of these, 677 were called for re-examination—429 showed
mprovenient; 40 showed loss of weight; 23 stationary ;185 were absent.
A cookery centre was opened at Brettenham Road in September, under
Miss Mary Bunker, with places for 18 pupils.
EDMONTON CANTEEN COMMITTEE.
REPORT FOR 1918.
During 1918 meals were supplied to 98 children, an increase of 21 per cent
on the number fed in 1917. The average weekly number receiving meals was
55, the highest number in any one week 67, and the lowest 39. Of these 87 were
the children of widows, and 11 had dinners while their fathers were physically
incapacitated from working.
The conditions of investigation etc. were the same as in recent years. The
Central Investigation Sub-Committee met on six occasions during the year.
The dinners were supplied at the Feeding Centre in Fore Street, Upper
Edmonton. As a natural result of the food shortage difficulties were encountered,
and it was not always possible to adhere to the list of menus, but a nourishing
and appetising meal was provided each day.
In March 1918 the question of establishing Central Kitchens for school
children was considered. Circulars on the subject were sent out to parents, but
the demand for children to be supplied with meals at such kitchens was so small
that it was not considered desirable to proceed in the matter.
The total number of meals provided in 1918 was 15359 and the total cost
was £383 19s, 6d.
T. G. SCOTT, Hon. See.,
27, Queens Road."
VERMIN.
At the. routine inspection, as regards body vermin, 24 boys and 15 girls were
found to be infested with lice on the inspection day. Nits (the eggs of lice) were
found on the hair of 283 boys and 901 girls, and live lice on 74 boys and 70 girls.
Last year the figures were 33 boys and 13 girls infested with bodylice, 269 boys
and 689 girls found with nits, and 63 boys and 72 girls with live lice on their scalps.
The first School Nurse makes special visits to the schools to examine whole
classes of children, with the view to ascertaining their condition as to cleanliness.
The children with nits or vermin are given cards to take home, warning their
parents of the condition and giving advice as to how to get rid of them. She
has looked over 983 this year, the number was 5,795 last year. (Miss Williams
was off duty, owing to an accident, for several months ) Now we have another
School Nurse who deals with the verminous homes.
The Cleansing Station still remains unfinished, although the walls were
erected this year and utilised as a temporary shed for a motor ambulance for
infectious disease. It is quite time that it be completed and in proper use.