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77
Clothing and Footgear.
Dr. Strong writes :—
" This table has been divided into groups, and I think is very instructive.
" In spite of the fact that a great number of mothers were at work, it
shows that the condition was satisfactory in the case of the young children;
not so satisfactory in the group 8-9 years, where parental control was, to some
extent relaxed; and a still larger percentage of unsatisfactory cases amongst
the leavers, 12-14 years, where, presumably, the children were left to look
after themselves; this last condition was more noticeable amongst the boys
than the girls."
Provision of Meals.
During 1916 Mr. Piokrell died and the post of Hon. Secretary of the
Canteen Committee was filled by Mr. T. G. Scott, to whom I am indebted
for the following particulars :—
During 1916 dinners were supplied to 89 children. Of these, 51 were
children of widows, etc., 32 were children whose fathers were physically
incapacitated from working, and 6 were children whose fathers were for a
short time unable to find employment. The highest number of children fed
in one week was 63, the lowest 33, the average number being just below 40.
The total number of dinners partaken of was 10,721. The cost was
£149 13s. lOd. for food, and .£42 15s. 6d. for service, etc. Each meal cost
4Ad.— 3£d. for food and Id. for service.
The Central Investigation Sub-Committee met on five occasions during
the year, and each application for meals was carefully considered.
Meals were provided (as they were from May to December, 1915), at
a cook-shop, the children having a room set apart exclusively for their use.
Members of the Menu Sub-Committee and Members of the General Canteen
Committee visited the shop (without notice of their visit being given) on
several occasions while the meals were being served, and, without exception,
found the arrangements for the preparation, serving, and supervision of the
meals in every way most satisfactory.
The methods of investigation into the parents' circumstances by the
Canteen Committee continue on the same thorough lines.
Vermin.
As regards body vermin, 36 boys and 36 girls were found to be infested with
lice on the inspection day. Nits (the eggs of lice) were found on the hair of
325 boys and 861 girls, and live lice on 53 boys and 89 girls.