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110
sight, they adopt every means of making the ordinary schools
practically open-air, and for the purposes of remedying the already
produced physical defects provide actual open-air schools—both
day and residential. Not only will this improve the physical
development and vitality of the rising generation, but it will inculcate
upon them the advantages of fresh air living in the most direct
and practical manner possible—an educational result second to
none attainable by a local authority.
The dental work of the Department is being actively carried
on, but it is quite impossible to cover the needs of the school
population with the present arrangements. Additional dental
services are urgently required. One definite fact showing the need
of extended dental service is to be found in the number of children
formerly observed to have sound teeth, but on re-inspection exhibiting
the onset of dental decay. The dental service should be evolved
gradually to the extent necessary to follow the 6—7 years age group
through their school life.
Extension of all forms of treatment can only be carried into
effect if additional premises are obtained.
Embodied in the report is a special report of the Organiser
of Physical Training—Miss Appleton—and I would emphasise the
great importance of this side of the Committee's work in relation
to the physical welfare of the school population—not only during
the elementary school period but in the schools attended during
adolescence—a time when bodily and mental growth is extremely
active owing to the evolution of the attributes of adult life, and,
therefore, demanding the best physical surroundings available.
It only remains to note the marked success of the special clinic
for the treatment of tonsils and adenoids, and to observe the hope
that we shall obtain still further success in the after-treatment of
these other ailments from the recent appointment (during 1920)
of an additional skilled masseuse and teacher of remedial exercises.
I have to acknowledge, as on every other occasion, the great
courtesy and assistance received from the Committee not only by
myself, but by every member of the staff concerned in the work.
I am,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
R. VEITCH CLARK.