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134
Clothing and Footgear.—From the foregoing return
it will be observed that the clothing of children was unsatisfactory
in 257 cases, or 3.5 of the total number inspected,
and that the footgear was unsatisfactory in 360 cases, or
4.89 of the total number inspected.
Cleanliness of Head and Body.—The return given
above shows that the condition of the head was otherwise
than clean in the case of 1,163 girls and 387 boys, viz.,
1,550 in all, or 21.1 per cent. of the total examined.
In the case of 151 boys and 124 girls, viz., 275, or 3.7
per cent. of the total examined, it will be seen that the
state of the body or skin generally could not be classified
as clean, while 0.79 per cent, exhibited signs of pediculi or
body lice. This latter condition is an extremely unsatisfactory
one, and is nearly always accompanied by a
verminous state of the head. Dirty and verminous conditions
are generally due to ignorance, carelessness, and
lack of perseverance on the part of the mother, as the same
case frequently comes under observation several times.
Soap, water, and industry will effect a cure.
Work requires to be done to bring home to parents
what they can accomplish in respect of dirty conditions, and
for this purpose the work of the Health Visitors should be
extended in the schools and the homes. The children, in
a class or classes, should be examined periodically from
time to time as regards their freedom from vermin and
nits, and those suffering should be excluded at once,
promptly followed up to their homes, and the parents given
practical demonstrations on how to cleanse. Cleansing
should be effected by the parents within 14 days.
Nutrition.—The return above given as respects
nutrition is important, and especially so with regard to the
provision of school meals, as it shows that 9.54 per cent.
of the children inspected were below the normal standard