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50
easy as in the case of normal children. In this connection I gratefully
acknowledge the assistance and help I have received from Miss
McBretney, the Head Teacher, upon whom the success of the School
largely depends.
Defective eyesight, carious teeth, impediment in speech, and
mouth breathing are the more common physical defects, and special
attention is given to remedy these as they seriously interfere with
the mental development of the child.
Those who are intimately associated with the mentally defective
realise the large amount of time and attention that has to be given
to them, not only in respect of their teaching and training, but also
with regard to their medical care and supervision. The general
public do not always realise how much more time and money has to
be expended upon them than on normal children.
They are the " sick " members of the community, and one must
approach them with a sympathetic understanding of their infirmities
to be able to help or assist them.
An increasing amount of attention is given to instruction in
manual work, and the progress that some of the children have made
in handwork is very satisfactory.
PROVISION OF MEALS.
The practice of providing a mid-day meal has now been in force
since February, 1920, and has proved a great convenience quite
apart from the definite benefit which I am satisfied it confers on those
children who are Enable to go Jiome in the middle of the day
A Cook attends the School daily, and the opportunity is taken
to train and instruct the older girls in household duties.
The meal consists of two courses and is served on the School
premises. The Head Mistress superintends the giving o.f the meals,
and attention is given to the conduct of the children and to the service
of the food in a proper way.