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92
one to 2,300 as an ideal. It appears to me that the only possible
solution of the problem of adequate preventive dentistry for
children is the introduction of the dental hygienist on the New
Zealand pattern to assist the School Dental Officer.
As a somewhat happier record, I would draw attention to the
charts of height and weights on page 12. These should be read
as showing trends only since the numbers in some groups are
too small to give an accurate sample. It is clear, however, that
the children are taller and heavier than the same age groups of
ten years ago. I have no comparable data on assessment of
intelligence, but in so far as physical state is concerned, there is
no doubt that the average child of 1949, for whose education the
Committee was responsible, was taller, heavier, cleaner and
healthier than ever before.
The difficulties which beset the Committee, the Education
Department, and the teachers in relation to the provision of
adequate accommodation and education for the continually growing
numbers of children is understood, and the consideration
which nevertheless was afforded to the School Health Service is
all the more appreciated. My thanks are also due to the members
of my department who have continued to give of their best in the
interests of the school children of Croydon.