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10
It will be seen that all along the line there has been an increase
in the number of children examined. The old days of rushing these
examinations is past. To be worth while they must be done well.
These figures indicate, at least to a certain extent, the reason why
during 1928 I have from time to time been constrained to ask you
for extra help in carrying out this work.
It is refreshing to see that, contrariwise, there has been
throughout a decrease in the percentage of defective children
found at these examinations.
A step such as this is a step in the right direction, and,
although I am not going to draw any hasty conclusions, I am
glad to think that on the whole the year has shown not only an
increased activity in inspection, but also an increased healthiness
amongst the children examined.
In 1928 the parents of 64.8 per cent, of the children were present
at examination, the comparable figures for the three previous
years being, in 1927 62.7 per cent., in 1926 60.7 per cent., and in
I925 65.5 per cent.
The number of children on the school register on 31st December,
1928, was 7,201, compared with 7,001 on 31st December, 1927.
During the year, the Medical Officer paid 131 visits to 20 departments
for inspection purposes, examinations being conducted
throughout the year on the various school premises. Certain cases
of defect were, as in previous years, referred to the School Clinic
for further examination and treatment.
The following table shows the number of children examined
at routine and special inspections during 1928, classified according
to the schools attended, the number of inspections held in each
school and the number of parents or guardians present:-