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Comparing the 15 year old girls in secondary schools with those of 12 years of
age it is found that the percentages of those with carious teeth and visual defect are
stationary; on the other hand there is an increase in defects of the heart from 3.9 per
cent. to 5.8 per cent., and in anaemia from 3.9 per cent. to 4.6 per cent.
In addition to the primary examinations recorded above, 2,486 pupils in higher
education institutions who had recorded defects were reinspected. Of 771 cases
of defective vision, 449 were found to be remedied, 132 improved and 200 not
improved. Of 94 external eye or ear disease and minor ailments, 30 were remedied,
42 improved and 22 not improved. Of 99 nose and throat defects, 41 were cured,
28 improved and 30 unremedied. Of 924 dental cases, 452 were remedied, 120
improved and 352 unremedied.
Juvenile Employment.
The Council's by-laws make it necessary for all school children engaged in
employment out of school to obtain a certificate of health from the school medical
officer before a licence is granted.
During 1925, 3,845 applicants were seen, of whom only 61 were girls.
In 106 cases certificates of health were refused, two of which concerned girls.
The medical reasons for rejection comprised in the case of boys: epilepsy or fits, 2;
general debility, 30; heart defect, 14; flat foot, 2; visual defect, 16; ear disease, 3;
anaemia, 10; tonsilitis, 5; mental condition, 1; dental decay, 7; tuberculous
glands, 2; skin disease, 2. Certificates were refused on general grounds, such
as unsuitability of work or of hours, in 10 cases.
Of the two girls refused certificates one suffered from general debility and one
from myopia.
311 additional children were granted conditional certificates, 205 subject to
medical treatment being obtained, and 106 upon other conditions, which included
periodical re-examination, limitation in regard to weights to be carried, additional
nourishment and provision of proper boots.
The certificate was withdrawn in two cases after issue, in one the reason for
this was that it was ascertained that the employment was not as represented in
the application, the boy being required to carry coal to flats three storeys high, in
the other case the reason for withdrawal was lack of progress in school work, the
boy being tired and listless. One boy was not only unsuitable for work out of school,
but was found to be in such a poor physical condition that he was unfit even to attend
school, another suffering from heart disease, who applied for an employment certificate,
was passed for a special school for the physically defective.
The various forms of employment for which certificates were sought, were as
follows:—Delivering of milk, 277; of newspapers, 2,441; of goods and parcels, 472;
employment in or about a shop, 283; coal yard, 9; industrial work at home, 5;
housework, 34; messenger, 69; employment not defined, 58.
Theatrical Children.
For licences to take part in stage entertainments, 153 children were seen during
the year. 27 of these were boys. Since the introduction of the statutory rules in
regard to the employment of children on the stage a very great improvement in
their condition has been effected. Whereas formerly a large number of these children
were found in a deplorable condition of personal hygiene, now the greatest care
is exercised, since neglect will inevitably lead to cancellation of licences. Only
one child during the year was refused a licence on account of verminous infestation
There would be great advantage if the rules could be extended to young persons
above the age of 14. A mother visited the department with her daughter, who
was above the age of 14, and had been away with a touring party. The girl was
in a neglected condition, and the mother explained that, while the child was of