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Firstly, similarities - In 1908 the School Medical Officer
wrote:- "Speaking generally the newer schools are excellent and
with the exception of-schools about to be closed, even the older
buildings are free from the grosser defects. With respect to
the newer schools, these are buildings of which the borough can
justly be proud and I have heard nothing but praise from numerous
representatives of local authorities who have accompanied me
in my visits to these schools. "
"The assistance rendered by a large majority of teachers has
been invaluable and I cannot speak too highly of the judgment
and tact which have been displayed in connection with our work
in the schools. "
"The provision of a quiet suitably lighted and warm room
with washing appliances in each school would materially lessen
the difficulties of all concerned with medical inspection."
Secondly, differences - Later in my Report, I give the
causes of death of school children and averages of height and
weight for 1908. In that year, 13% of children were recorded as
unclean (lice and/or fleas) - a figure said to "considerably
understate the actual amount of uncleanliness as we were informed
the children and their clothing had been specially prepared
for the medical inspection."
As judged by "nits only", 40% appeared to be a fair figure
for infestation. Ringworm gave much trouble, some 350 cases of
infection being reported. 80% of children required dental
treatment, 5% urgently. 2% of children inspected had chronic
discharging ears.
Finally to comfort those who feel that current improvements
in physical health have been outweighed hy more mental illness,
maladjustment and delinquency, there is a note in the Report for
1908 regarding - "Truants - 29 children were examined before
despatch to truant schools and the necessary certificates given
to the Police. "
Against this background, 1958 was a year of quiet progress
impeded by difficulties in staff recruitment, to which reference
is made in various sections of the Report.
It must be admitted that visits to schools for medical and
other inspections, vaccination against poliomyelitis and to give
B.C.G. vaccine occasioned more than usual interference with
school routine and I can only re-emphasise the praise of the
majority of school teachers as recorded over 50 years ago.