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54
As indicating the value of the work of the Woman Attendance
Officer, the following figures may be quoted:—
Total children excluded for verminous condition in 1917,
before the appointment of Mrs. Byles 242
Total summonses for non-attendance owing to verminous
condition in 1917 37
Total children excluded for verminous condition in 1918,
after Mrs. Byles' appointment 306
Total summonses for non-attendance owing to verminous
condition in 1918 6
So that, although the number of excluded cases was larger
in 1918 than in 1917, due to a noticeable increased neglect on the
part of the mothers, the children were cleansed so quickly after
the visits of the Woman Attendance Officer that only six summonses
were issued, as against 37 in the previous year.
In dealing with such children, as well as in the ordinary work of
school attendance, there is much in favour of the appointment of
women. Given some strength of character, a tactful manner
and some suasive power, women are sure to succeed in this class
of work, where the parent who has usually to be reckoned with
is the mother, and not the father.
Medical Treatment.
The following is a summary of the work of treatment carried
out at the School Clinic during the year.
Throat, Nose, and Ear Department.
Number of children advised during 1918 to have operation
for enlarged tonsils, adenoids and nasal obstruction 354
Number of children operated on for enlarged tonsils or adenoids
and nasal obstruction 116
Number of children treated by own doctor or at a general
hospital 32
Number of children whose parents objected or who left the
District 26