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The foregoing table is remarkable as shewing that in only
92 out of 321 cases in which information is available, or 28.6 per
cent., was treatment sought by the parents. The main reason
given by the parents for not obtaining medical aid was that they
could not afford it. I have no doubt that the enormous proportion
of these parents was anxious to obtain treatment so that
their children might be healthy and strong. The cure of the
diseases occurring in childhood is the best form of investment of
public funds, in that it tends to prevent destitution in the adult
and perpetuate a healthy race.
Bye cases, throat, nose and ear cases, dental cases and skin
cases are especially suitable for a school clinic.
IV—THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE EDUCATION
(PROVISION OF MEALS) ACT, 1906
1. The Meals.
During the year, I was instructed by the Education Committee
to prepare a scheme of dietaries for necessitous school
children. This was duly presented to the Canteen Committee at
its meeting on September 5th, 1911, and approved as under:—
Monday.—Suet pudding containing flour, suet and syrup.
Bread and margarine or dripping or lard.
Tuesday.—Mutton stew containing scrag-ends of mutton
(breast and neck), onions, turnips, carrots,
potatoes and barley.
Bread and margarine or dripping or lard.
Wednesday.—Pea soup containing peas, turnips, onions and
carrots.
Bread and margarine or dripping or lard.
Thursday.—Lentil soup containing clods and stickings, lentils,
haricot beans, turnips, onions and carrots.
Bread and margarine or dripping or lard.
Friday.—Boiled rice containing rice, milk and sugar.
Bread and margarine or dripping or lard.