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weeks or months, of the educational advantages which are provided
at such cost to the ratepayers.
RECOMMENDATIONS RESPECTING RINGWORM. I have, therefore,
most strongly to recommend:—(i) That a systematic
examination for suspected early cases of ringworm should be made
by the school nurse, whose appointment has already been suggested.
The salary of such nurse would be £80 to £100 per annum.
(2) That the Borough Hospital House Sub-Committee should be
empowered to arrange for the X-Ray treatment of ringworm occurring
among Elementary School children at a further expense of not
exceeding £100 per annum. This treatment might, at the discretion
of the Committee, be undertaken either by installing an apparatus at
the Town Hall, or by arrangement with some medical man who
possessed the necessary equipment. From enquiry, I find that the
latter suggestion is practicable, and would have the advantage
of allowing me more time to examine the cases submitted by the
nurse. The ground would thus be covered more quickly, and the
disease be sooner checked.
EXAMINATION OF PUPIL TEACHER CANDIDATES.—Seventyfive
young persons, who desired to become pupil teachers, were
medically examined during the year. Of these 67 were passed and
eight rejected. Six re-examinations were also made.
A record of each physical examination together with the family
history of the candidate is entered on a card and filed for subsequent
reference. This system has been found most useful when, for
various reasons, it has been found necessary to re-examine candidates
or pupil teachers.
SPECIAL EXAMINATION OF TEACHERS. —Thirteen teachers
were interviewed on one or more occasions by the Medical Officer.
In six instances the interview had reference to the existence of
infectious disease at the home of the teacher, while in seven cases
the Committee required special reports concerning the health of the
teacher.
BLIND, DEAF, AND DEFECTIVE CHILDREN. -The children
attending the Deaf Class were examined during the year and a