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trouble, only 11 cases being reported, viz., mumps, 5; varicella, 2; scarlatina, 1;
measles, 2; ringworm, 1. Amongst 129 children examined only 64 had definite
physical signs of ill-health, viz., debility, anaemia, cardiectasis, 41; neurosis, 5;
bronchial and pulmonary catarrh, 15; enlarged glands, 3.
Regarding the number of children who presented no physical signs of illness,
Dr. Thornton discusses the question whether the best use is made of the school.
He points out the disinclination to admit children under 10 years of age and
generally to admit children with defects which will lead to some irregularity of
attendance, and draws attention to the clash of medical and scholastic views of the
desirable candidates for admission. Further, he comments on the difficulty which
must be experienced in refusing admission to apparently healthy children who have
returned from convalescence or belong to tuberculous families, submitted by
hospitals and tuberculosis dispensaries.
Stowey
House openair
school.
At Stowey House Open-Air School there are in attendance 170 boys and 100
girls. 75 boys left at Easter, all but three being fit. Of the 95 remaining, one had
attended for four years, seven for three years, 34 for two years and 53 for one year.
Of the 100 girls 52 were first-year, 20 second-year, 18 third-year and 10 fourth-year
pupils. Comparing boys and girls it was noted by Dr. Slowan that girls appear
to have done better than boys, 93 per cent. showing improvement as against 76 per
cent. of boys. Generally satisfactory increases in physical measurements were
noted throughout the age groups at the school. One girl is mentioned who made
the phenomenal gain of 12 kgs. (26½ lbs.) in the year ; she was 11 years of age and
suffered from fibrosis of the left lung.
Convalescent
camp schooJs.
The arrangements for country holidays for debilitated children nominated by
the school doctors comprise:—
(1) The King's Canadian Camp School at Bushy Park with places for
300 boys.
(2) The Wanstead House School at Margate for 60 girls.
(3) The Barham House School at St. Leonards for 64 girls.
(4) An arrangement with the Shaftesbury Society to take 30 girls at the
Russell-Cotes Home, Parkstone.
(5) An arrangement with the "Save the Children Fund" authorities by
which the London School Organisation sends girls to Fairfield House, Broadstairs,
with places for 50 girls.
These institutions receive 3,000 boys and 1,580 girls annually, and the children
without any break in their education are enabled to get the benefit of a country or
seaside change which is so desirable.
Bushy Park.
The period of stay at Bushy Park was extended during the year to six weeks
(instead of one month) for all boys during the winter months. Dr. Lee reports
only one case of infectious disease during the year—which is very remarkable
amongst so many as 3,000 boys who are constantly changing. The boys are very
happy and once they get over the pangs of home sickness enter into the life and
games of the school with great delight. The work done by the master responsible
for physical exercises is excellent, and with boys interested in their own physical
development very fine results are obtained in spite of the shortness of the stay.
Wanstead
House.
Dr. McCombe states: "I am pleased to report again that this school has once
more justified its existence. The famous Margate air, combined with adequate rest,
a plentiful supply of suitable well-cooked food, and careful supervision together
have worked wonders for the children who have passed through the school. 538
children were admitted between January and December, 1927, of these only 13 were
confined to bed, and were as follows: One case chicken pox, noted second day after
arrival, isolated 3 weeks; one case scarlet fever, diagnosed 5 days after arrival,
sent immediately to Haine Isolation Hospital, Kent; eight children in bed over two
days with colds; one case eczematous impetigo on admission; one child abscess
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