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76
This table gives very important indications as to the incidence of chronic ill-
health upon the child population. It will be seen that external eye disease and skin
diseases which together accounted for 12 per cent. of chronic absences in 1919 have
fallen to 7 per cent. in 1922, but the reduction is chiefly in chronic skin disease, which
was so prevalent in the later years of the war but has fallen from 5.6 per cent. in
1919 to 1.8 per cent. in 1922. The other satisfactory feature of the table is the
reduction in absolute numbers and in percentage of the total complaints of
tuberculosis in school children, which amounted to 20 per cent. in 1919 but only to
17 per cent. in 1922.
On the other hand there has been a very great increase both absolutely and
relatively in the number of children absent for rheumatic conditions (including
chronic and heart disease). In 1919 there were only 412 such cases, while in 1922
there were 682, and the proportion of the whole causes of absence rose from 14'4
per cent. in 1919 to 235 per cent. in 1922.
It is impossible to avoid the suggestion that this great increase in rheumatic
disease is in some way connected with the prevalence of scarlet fever which has
been so marked a phenomenon during the last three years.
The preponderance of girls over boys absent at the age of 12 and 13 is again
marked (girls ll.2 and 125 per cent., boys 7.8 and 7.7 per cent.). The heavier
incidence of rheumatism upon girls is also very striking, as in absolute numbers
469 girls were affected as compared with 213 boys, and this disease accounted for
27'3 per cent. of the total complaints in the case of girls as opposed to 18 per cent. in
boys.
Generally.
Employment of school children.
Under the Employment of School Children By-laws 2,461 children were specially
examined. Of these, 57 only were girls. In 57 instances certificates could not be
granted on medical and physical grounds. In a further 158 children certificates were
granted conditionally upon the rectification of defective conditions physical or
social. In many of the latter cases re-examination at definite intervals was insisted
upon. By far the greater number of certificates sought was on account of boys
required to deliver newsnaners.
Theatrical
children.
Under the Employment of Children in Entertainments Rules 261 applicants
for license were examined and kept under observation by the school medical department.
Many Eurasian children and others of foreign birth or nationality were
among them, only 20 were boys.
In general the condition of the children is much improved since the introduction)
of the rules, but children who go on tour are much subjected to the risk of contraction
of contagious diseases. Eighteen children were found in a verminouscondition,
and certificates were refused to eight others who suffered from contagious
skin complaints. Three children were rejected for heart disease and'
debility. Medical treatment was necessary in 39 other children for various defects,
including dental decay and defective vision.
Physical exercises.
Major Gem, the Council's organiser of physical exercises, in his annual report
refers to the improvement in the general standard of work during the past year, and'
in regard to elementary schools points out two interesting features.
(a) The spread of the "team" system and the consequent increase in enthusiasm
by the boys, together with a growth of self-discipline which has a marked
effect upon the life of the school, and
(b) The introduction in schools of "efficiency tests." An average attainment is
decided upon, e.g., a boy, average age of 12 years, should make a standing broad
jump of 4 feet 5 inches. All boys in the class attempt to pass the standard, those
who succeed attain their "efficiency" mark, and those who fail practise until they
succeed. This method, Major Gem points out, promises great possibilities and has
when it has been taken up, proved extremely popular.