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In connection with this Table it may be said that the
142 children in 1912 and the 104 in 1913 suffering with "running"
ears are in imminent danger of becoming permanently
deaf. The handicap which a deaf child or person suffers in
the race for employment is enormous, and early treatment
for these cases is imperative if the child is to have the best
chance in after life of earning its living. In addition, it
should be noted that the cost of educating a deaf child in
a residential school is about £50 per annum, and in a day
school about £18 per annum, while the cost of educating
the normal child is less than £6 per annum.
Malnutrition and Anæmia.
The Annual Report of the School Medical Officer for
1912 shows that 939 children suffering from one or other of
the above conditions came under notice during the year, and
that, in 1913, 905 such cases came under notice. These
conditions are exceedingly important, and children suffering
from them should receive adequate and proper attention
under medical supervision.
Malnutrition and Anaemia are most commonly the forerunners
of consumption, which condition can be prevented
by building up the bodies of the children under good hygenic
conditions. Children, therefore, suffering from these conditions
should in many cases receive school meals selected
with a proper regard to sufficiency and suitability. Cod
Liver Oil and Malt Extracts are also valuable adjuncts in