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166
Annual Report of the London County Council, 1910.
as would permit a class of about 30 being formed, but allowance was made for those children
whose parents might object to attendance at the classes. For Cator-street, 78 Standard III.
boys were chosen. In the Bethnal Green district boys and girls were selected, but ultimately
the classes were restricted to boys, the youngest group going to "The Lawrence," the eldest
to Turin-street and the others to Daniel-street. 162 children were selected in the contributory
schools. No special provision had been made for the medical supervision of these classes, but
the school doctors, Dr. Clarke, for Cator-street, and Dr. Branson, in the Bethnal Green district,
relinquished part of the ordinary school work to keep these classes under close observation. The
Bethnal Green district is a very poor one, and the selected children represent the poorest stratum
of the population. Without presenting definite disease they were ill-nourished, ill-clad, pallid and
inert. The time-table was varied with different classes and the weather. On wet days the classes
were under cover but not indoors. Physical education, including correction of attitudes, breathing and
exercise was particularly looked after. The children were carefully examined in June and October.
Measurements were taken on the second examination at Daniel-street only. The medical examination
left no doubt as to the beneficial effect of the outdoor regime. Dr. Branson states that at his second
visit, three weeks after the inception of the class, he felt momentarily doubtful in many cases whether
particular children were the individuals he had selected. The difference was partly in complexion,
but also in high degree in demeanour and expression, which was more alert and spirited. The
haemoglobin estimations of the blood gave somewhat higher readings at the final examination, and
although the school doctor felt that too much weight should not be placed on these alone, there was
no doubt that both mental and physical vigour had been improved by the outdoor life. Many children
regarded as apathetic and morose had become bright, energetic and interested in their occupation.

Although the numbers are too small for any detailed analysis, it is noticeable how far these
Daniel-street children fall short of the standards determined for L.C.C. schools generally, and at "The
Lawrence" conditions were even worse, for 13 children of 9 years of age only averaged 118.2 centimetres
in height and weighed 21.6 kilograms.
The Cator-street Class, which was open from 20th May to 28th October, was composed of
boys of Standard III. varying from 8 to 13 years of age. They were all below normal health and most
were anaemic or had enlarged cervical glands. Twice a week the boys had nature study in the park.
On cold days they had more than usual exercise, and on wet days the work was done under the playground
shed which is open on both sides. Dr. J. T. Clarke kept the class under close observation.
Whilst there was steady proportionate increase in weight and in amounts of haemoglobin, the height
appeared to remain stationary, and during the two hot months of July and August the height appeared
to increase whilst the other measurements remained steady.

In the youngest group of delicate boys they were nearest to normal on admission, but four months
later their measurements were better than the standard. From the amount of benefit received it
appears as if the youngest group should have the preference for admission to these classes. The improvement
in colour was very marked, the pallid anaemic children being much improved. The hæmoglobinometer
measurements showed the average blood colour a little over 70 per cent, of normal
at admission, and a little over 90 per cent, of normal four months later. In this class there was also