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133
Five children had scars on the throat, the result of a tracheotomy
operation.
Nutrition.
The state of nutrition was recorded in five classes:—(1) worst
possible, (2) badly nourished, (3) nutrition fair, (4) nutrition good, (5)
exceptionally well-nourished children.
The numbers are given for the three ages of five, ten, and thirteen
and for all the children, including the intermediate ages.

In 98.7 per cent. of the children, therefore, the state of nutrition
was satisfactory. It may be mentioned in this connection that the school
dinners have been given all the year round, during summer as well as
during the winter. Every child whose parents have been able to show to
the Canteen Committee that they have not the means to feed their children
has had the school dinners.
Provision of Meals.
The Education Authority have adopted Section III of the Education
(Provision of Meals) Act, 1906. The two resolutions required by this
Act were passed on March 23rd, 1912. As a matter of fact, ever since
1895 dinners have been supplied to under-fed scholars through the agency
of a Canteen Committee and with the voluntary assistance of Mr.
Pickrell and many teachers, the cost of the victuals being met by
philanthropists. The Act allows the cost of food to be obtained to
the limit of a halfpenny rate. In former years, dinners were provided
during the winter months only; during 1912 they were provided during
the whole year with the exception of the School holidays. During the
summer months the number of children requiring meals was relatively
small, so that it was deemed more economical to arrange for the meals
to be served at various eating-houses throughout the district. During
the winter months the meals have been served at the usual centres, and
prepared by the Canteen Committee. The cost per head of meals served