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furnish the Clinic with new furniture regardless of cost, I naturally ceased my
efforts, although, in my opinion, second-hand articles, provided they are sound,
would have served equally as well and at much less expense.
The action of the Committee on this point, as well as with reference to the
fees at the Clinic, was in my opinion unbusinesslike and reckless.
In August the Council resolved to pay the whole cost of installing and
maintaining the hot-water apparatus at Pymmes Park House and charge the
Education Committee for their share in this convenience.
Infectious Disease.—Head teachers and attendance officers are making
a practice of sending cases suspected to be suffering from infectious disease to
the Clinic, where they sit for some time amongst children who are there for a
lawful purpose, thereby creating a great source of infection, not only for the
children, but for members of my staff. Indeed, during the year, two members
of my staff have contracted mumps there or carried it home to their family.
This dangerous practice still continues, notwithstanding the number of
protests on the subject made by me to the Education Committee ! I should
have liked to have sent a circular letter to the head teachers and attendance
officers, asking them to cease using the Clinic for such a purpose and pointing
out to them that the proper course to take with regard to a child suffering from
infectious disease is to give the mother instructions to send for a doctor to see
the child at home and to make a diagnosis. The Clinic must not be used as a
cheap substitute for a private practitioner; treatment there is limited by the
terms of the scheme to certain minor ailments, dental and ocular defects.
Reports.—Every week I receive reports on the work done in each section,
which are incorporated with my monthly reports to the Education Committee.
From each officer also I have received reports on the work of each section
since its establishment, and I have embodied them in this report, with any suggestions
they have made as to possible improvements in connection with each
section.
SCHOOL CLINIC.-A.-MINOR AILMENTS SECTION.
This section commenced work on the 16th March, 1920.
The staff employed here is as follows:—The Assistant School Medical
Officer, one nurse and one clerk. The nurse (Miss Fairbarns) engaged in
routine medical inspection, assists here also, when notjsngaged at the schools.
The section is open from Mondays to Fridays, both morning and afternoon,
and on Saturdays up to mid-day, but during the holidays it meets all require-