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135
During January we had 17 children with influenza, it was quite of a mild type
and it was only necessary to keep the children in bed for a few days. The whole
class of 32 children were detained one week longer than the usual time. We had a
few cases of tonsilitis, which was also of a mild type. None of the children contracted
an infectious disease such as measles, chicken-pox, etc., which is rather remarkable
and speaks very highly for the care which is taken in selecting them before being
sent down.
The average gain in weight equalled 4 lbs. 7 oz., the highest individual gain being
12 lbs. 12 oz.
Naturally we think that Margate has no rival as a health resort for children,
and the results obtained at Wanstead House fully justify the idea.
Wanstead House itself occupies an excellent position in the best part of the
town, standing high on the Eastern Esplanade. All the children's quarters—diningroom,
play room and dormitories—are large airy rooms, possessing two sets of
windows; those on the north side facing the sea and scarcely a stone's throw away.
The others on the South Side admitting a large amount of sunshine.
These windows are open day and night all the year round, thus ensuring a
constant supply of pure air.
During last summer the children enjoyed far greater facilities for bathing and
paddling than ever before, owing to private use of a new bathing hut erected by the
L.C.C. on the sandy beach at the Palm Bay end of the town.
Personally, I think a six weeks' visit all too short, especially as the first week
is more or less wasted, on account of the unsettling influence of new routine and
altogether strange environment.
Our weaklings must have their chance and there are sufficient data to show
that the Residential Open-Air School is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Barham
House.
Barham House.—Dr. F. C. Lewis reports that the total number of children
visiting the school during the year was 355—i.e., 291 girls and 64 boys. In all, twelve
schools contributed a quota. The first batch did not leave until the latter end of
May, owing to the school being closed prior to that for building alterations. The
only party of boys (from Hamond Square School) left London in August, by which
time accommodation was available at the school for 64.
As a result of the four weeks' stay, the majority of the children showed a marked
improvement in physical condition, especially so during the summer months, when
it was possible to bathe daily. That the Camp School is appreciated is shown
by the number of children who are desirous of going a second time. In the case of
Hamond Square School, there are children, who have been yearly for three years, but
this will not be possible in future as the contributory schools are to be drawn from
a wider area.
There is some difficulty in getting parents to send children in the early part
of the year, but I am sure that the stay at the camp school is of great benefit to the
children going there. In the case of the really "air hungry" children of Hoxton,
the month passed in airy rooms with regular meals and enforced personal cleanliness
makes a wonderful improvement and, one hopes, teaches habits of personal hygiene
which cannot well be learnt in an elementary day school.
RussellCotes
Home.
The Russell-Cotes Home at Parhstone.—The Russell-Cotes Home is maintained
by the Shaftesbury Society. The Council sends 30 girls for a six weeks' stay at the
home all the year round. As soon as the children arrive they are weighed and
measured, inspected by the doctor, and if necessary ordered special treatment, seen by
the dentist and then graded for school work. The children are weighed fortnightly.
The school doctor states that all the children have benefited by their stay, but
the improvement is more marked in summer than in winter. After the first 14 days
the change in the physical condition is very marked. The advantages of a regular
and nutritious diet are shown in the increased weights.