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204
his last report on the Health of the School Child, expressed
emphatic views, and it is one which appears, unfortunately, to
be rather crowded out owing to the bulk of the routine scholastic
curriculum. The suggestion is made that special health teaching
should be given by medical men and women to children in their
last year of school life. This is put forward, not with any intention
of belittling the excellent work of teachers, but because it is
felt to be a specialised subject requiring specialised treatment, and
also with the opinion that if presented by medical practitioners, it
would carry more conviction to the minds of the listeners. Healthy
living is a fundamental basis of life. Much avoidable illness is
due to ignorance of the simplest physiological functions, and
epidemic sickness is not seldom spread by lack of appreciation of
the duties of citizenship. If a child is instructed before leaving
school in the principles of personal and communal health, it is
felt more good will be done than by elaborating widespread
schemes of Public Health reform before those who are unable to
understand their purport.
In conclusion, I tender my thanks to you, ladies and gentlemen,
for the consideration and courtesy you have at all times
extended to me. I wish also to acknowledge my indebtedness to
your Education Officer, Mr. Morgan, for his helpful co-operation
and advice, and to the members of his staff for their assistance.
I also desire to bring to your notice the valuable services rendered
by the Deputy Medical Officer, Dr. Watson, and other
colleagues in the School Medical Service. They have at all times
exhibited an unwaning enthusiasm for the aims and objects
towards the consummation of which the department strives.
I am, Yours faithfully,
OSCAR M. HOLDEN,
School Medical Officer.