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98
as to the use of the electrolytic disinfecting fluid, and arrangements made
for its delivery.
The days for delivery are Tuesdays and Fridays.
To the end of the year the six schools mentioned in the Education
Officer's letter of the 5th August were supplied with 3,146 gallons.
For the purposes of the experiment the infants' departments only are
being followed up at present.
The directions given to the schoolkeepers are to well soak with
electrolytic fluid the sawdust used for scattering over the floors and to
sprinkle the floors with the fluid by means of an ordinary galvanised iron
watering-can with a large rose on the spout. The scattering of the soaked
sawdust and the sprinkling of the floors with the fluid is to be daily
carried out previous to sweeping the floors, as dry sweeping only spreads
the dust, for while part of it is removed, the rest, which has been stirred,
settles down when the disturbance is over.
The schoolkeepers were also directed to use the fluid in the water
when washing the floors of the classrooms. The floors of the classrooms
are washed once in three weeks, but the babies' rooms are cleansed more
frequently.
The spraying or sprinkling must be carried out with much care, as
with a too free use of moisture the floors will not be dry by the morning.
In damp weather the drying process must naturally be delayed.
Experience showed that the holes in the roses of the watering-cans
in use were too large. Probably garden syringes with fine roses would
give better results. The floors would not become so damp and consequently
would be dry in the morning.
Using the fluid undiluted or too strong a perceptible odour is given
off at the time of sprinkling or washing on account of the presence of
organic matter in or upon the floors, consequently the oxidising process
must be gradual. Each schoolkeeper must, therefore, by experience, find
out the necessary dilution the fluid requires when it is used for sprinkling
or spraying floors.
Filth from the streets is brought in on the boots and shoes of the
scholars during all sorts and conditions of weather. The daily tramp of
the children must work the filth into the wooden floors and cause them
to become impregnated. Without doubt, sputum, the results of the habit