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generally held that the infection lies in the throat, nose and
mouth. When a person is sick, the epithelial layer of the
mucous membrane is denuded and the vomit is almost certain
to be infectious. It is important to recognise this early
infection for disinfection purposes. Disinfection of special
class rooms or of particular articles should be undertaken
where there is reason to believe that these have been infected,
but there is danger of reliance being placed upon the use of
disinfectants rather than upon necessary cleanliness of school
premises and efficient ventilation. The mechanical removal
of dirt is of the greatest importance. Disinfectants when
properly applied and in their proper place are of considerable
value, but much of the money now spent on disinfectants
could probably be more profitably spent on soap and water.
An attempt was made in this district during the year to
ascertain how far articles used in common such as pencils and
penholders might prove a source of infection. Our thanks are
due to Drs. Minett and Macalister, who kindly undertook the
bacteriological examination. From various schools stumps
of pencils or old penholders were procured and cultures were
made of the bacteria found upon this material. In another
school a class of girls was watched and any pencils which had
been placed in the mouth were preserved for examination.
Bacteriological examination revealed extensive growths of the
commoner pathogenic organisms, such as staphylococci,
streptococei, etc. In no case were the germs of Diphtheria
detected. In one example the germ of Pneumonia was found,
but this germ may be present in the saliva of healthy persons.
Although these results proved negative, the importance of
these articles in the spread of infection should not be overlooked,
and it would be an advantage if arrangements could
be made so that each child could have his own books,
pencils, etc.