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64
than at an ordinary elementary school and to give
treatment when necessary either through the dispensary
or elsewhere.
As the school has been in existence since 1917 we
can speak definitely of the results, and there is no doubt
of the great value of this work both from the point of
view of health and education. If no such school
were in existence, the children would either be attending
an ordinary elementary school irregularly, to
the detriment of their health, or would be receiving no
education at all. The children improve mentally and
physically and especially in spirits and this improvement
is maintained on leaving school. We have kept in
touch with the former pupils and found that with few
exceptions they have developed into normal young
men and women with a healthy outlook on life.
Apart from the question of tuberculosis, which is
the chief consideration, many of the children have been
found during the last few years to be also suffering from
other disabilities, such as nervous traits (e.g., want of
confidence, habit spasm, stammering), diseases of the
nose, throat and ears, eye strain, lateral curvature of
the spine, flat-foot, deformities of the chest, defective
methods of breathing and of voice production and
deportment, and in some cases rheumatic affections.
Most of these complications can be treated successfully
if attended to in the early stages, and a short description
of some of the cases sent to other centres during 1925
may be of interest.
Nineteen children were sent to the dental department
of the School Treatment Centre for fillings and
extractions. The condition of the children's teeth is
excellent.
Two children were operated on for enlarged tonsils
and adenoids at the School Treatment Centre, Bagley's
Lane. Seven were examined at the Centre by the
Ophthalmic Surgeon and six were treated for minor
ailments.