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70
The premises with the possible exception of the hut at Alma
Road can hardly be considered satisfactory, nor was I satisfied that
the children were provided with proper and sufficient cutlery.
The menu, whilst supplying ample, appeared to me to be neither
appetising, well-balanced, nor to contain the essentials of a good
diet. I submitted to the Care Committee a suggested dietary
and whilst the Committee has not been able to adopt this diet
in its entirety, the meal has been altered so that it conforms more
to hygienic standards. Every child now receives a certain quantity
of milk and fresh butter with its meal, and fresh vegetables play
a larger part than hitherto in the diet. It is to be hoped that better
premises will be obtained in the future where the children can
receive their meals in more hygienic surroundings.
The provision of meals for school children should not have
as its only object provision of food, it should have an educative
effect as well. By this I mean that the children should be taught
by example not only what to eat, but how to eat, and I cannot
persuade myself that the arrangements I saw when I visited the
feeding centres were entirely satisfactory. I am glad to report that
steps have been taken subsequent to my report to improve both the
diet and the conditions.
CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
The parents take an active interest in the work of the Schoo
Medical Department. Parents are notified in writing of the
Routine Medical Inspection of the children, and 77 per cent, attended
in person in 1933. When a child is required at the clinic for
examination, the parent is informed, either by the School Nurse
or by letter of the date and time of examination. Parents are
personally instructed by the School Medical Officer in regard
to the treatment required for various defects, and also as to the
carrying out of breathing and other remedial exercises at home.
CO-OPERATION OF TEACHERS.
I would take this opportunity of paying tribute to the cooperation
of the teachers in the work of the School Medical Department.
By drawing attention to minor defects it has been possible
to prevent the occurrence of many conditions which, though trivial
at the moment might have resulted in serious illness.