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42
quarter of a pint of milk daily. Instruction in physical exercises and
gardening constitute an important part of the school curriculum. On
the coldest days boys who wish or feel the need for it are allowed a blanket
to wrap round their feet and legs. This is precautionary, but it is rare
to hear any complaint of cold. There has been practically complete
freedom from colds and bronchial troubles, in spite of exposure to the
changes of a somewhat severe winter. The children have improved
physically and mentally. Anaemic and ill-nourished boys have gained in
weight and muscular tone. Frequent examinations have been made and
weights ascertained at regular intervals. The appended table gives
details of the progress of the scholars. Considering the temporary nature
of the centre and that ideal conditions do not obtain, the results so far
have proved that the school has justified its existence and warrants an
extension of its type. The great disability of having one centre only is
that the children can only be drawn from adjacent schools. Delicate
children cannot be expected to make the journey on foot from more distant
schools, and parents are unwilling that they should. Again it is felt
that some provision should be made whereby a warm meal could be had
by those who, owing to poor family circumstances, cannot have proper
nourishment at home. It is recognised that weaklings greatly benefit
by a period of entire rest during school hours and provision of facilities
for this rest period merits consideration. Many of the boys have very
defective footwear, and in wet weather it is unhealthy for them to sit in
soaking boots and stockings. It would be a great advantage were
means of changing footwear made available, and were the footwear itself
provided in necessitous cases. A good beginning has been made, and the
direction has been shown in which progress can best be made to secure the
greatest educational advantages, most economically, for debilitated
scholars.