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163
In conclusion, it may be stated that the great difficulty lies in getting the
children treated, for often a child seen one day may have left the Wharf the following
day for an indefinite period; then, again, parents need much educating, and up
to the present none of them have attended the inspections; it is hoped in the future
that we shall be able to get them up and in this way much may be done in the way
of advice for general treatment. Even so, there remains the difficulty of getting
treatment for definite defects, it being difficult for parents to leave the barges and
travel any distance to clinics, etc.; and again in the treatment of minor ailments,
children cannot be sent alone to clinics as is the case with the ordinary elementary
school child, for they are not used to the streets or locality, and I understand that
there have been a fair number of skin cases, ears, etc. It would be very useful if
the school nurse could attend at intervals for the treatment of these on the
premises.
Examination of Candidates.
Including some who attended for their first examination in the previous year,
the number of candidates submitting themselves for examination during the yeer
was 7,019, an increase of 533 or 8 per cent. over the previous year. The total
number of examinations was 8,749. The candidates may be classified as (a) candidates
for entrance to the permanent service; (6) candidates for the award of
scholarships
Candidates
for
permanent
service.
The total number of candidates examined was 1,215 (564 males and 651 females),
but of these candidates 46 attended for their first examination in the previous year.
There were, however, 1,465 examinations (684 males and 781 females); in 250 cases
(120 males and 130 females a second or third examination was necessary. Of the
number thus referred remedial treatment was satisfactorily obtained in 231 cases,
1 was rejected, 11 withdrew their applications, 57 were still under consideration
at the end of the year. The total number rejected was 11, the reasons being:
defects of vision, 4; heart disease, 3; unsatisfactory general health, 3; deficient
chest measurement, 1.
Candidates
for the
award of
scholarship*.
The scholarships and awards granted by the Council fall into three divisions, C
each of which requires different treatment in so far as the medical examination of
candidates is concerned: (a) County scholarships enabling candidates to proceed
to institutions of university rank; (6) Technical scholarships, enabling candidates
to receive instruction in trades, and special scholarships; (c) Awards enabling candidates
to prepare for the teaching profession. The total number of candidates
examined was 5,804; these include 46 who attended for their first examination in
the previous year. There were, however, 7,284 examinations, the excess being due
to the fact that in 1,480 cases a second or third examination was necessary; of the
number thus referred 1,241 obtained satisfactory treatment and were on re-examination
certified as fit. 153 were rejected, 114 as the result of their first examination,
and 39 as the result of subsequent examinations. The reasons for rejections were :
Defective vision, 91; unsatisfactory general health, 22; unsatisfactory condition of
heart, 22; miscellaneous defects, 21; three candidates were rejected for two
defects.
Cases
specially
referred.
There are also referred to the public health department:—
Special cases of employees in the education service absent owing to illness.
Questions in regard to students in institutions for higher education whose
health is considered such as to render exceptional attention advisable.
Cases of teachers proceeding overseas under the interchange scheme.
Cases of teachers returning to duty after extended leave of absence (a) owing
to personal illness; (b) for educational purposes; (c) married women under
E. 22 of the Regulations in regard to education service.
Cases of teachers about to apply for a breakdown allowance.