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89
Warming.—With few exceptions the heating arrangements
in the schools appear to be satisfactory. In the three
largest schools low-pressure hot water systems, combined with
open fireplaces, are in use, but in the non-provided schools the
heating is effected by open fires or stoves. Improvement in
some of the latter has been carried out during the year.
Lighting.—There is no serious defect in natural lighting
in any of the schools, and in most of them it is very good.
For the most part the desks are correctly placed with regard
to the source of illumination, and where this is not possible
the best means are taken to approximate to this standard.
In some schools the artificial lighting is by electricity, and
where this is not provided incandescent gas burners are used.
Equipment.—In the majority of cases dual desks of an
approved type are used, and where others are in use they are
gradually being replaced by the former.
Sanitary Conveniences.—A sufficient number of these
are supplied for each department, and they are generally
well kept and in good condition. During the year reconstructions
have been made at Albert Street and Long Lane Schools,
and most of the improvements recommended in last year's
report of the School Medical Officer have been carried into
effect. Water closets are provided at all the schools. At
Holy Trinity School pedestal closets with movable seats and
separate flushing arrangements for each closet are in use. In
all the other schools (with the exception of St. Mary's) w.c.
basins of an approved type are installed. They are provided
with fixed seats, and are automatically flushed four or five
times a day. I am bound to say that they are all well kept,
but I do not like the arrangement so much as the movable
seat and separate flushing. In St. Mary's the closets are of
the trough variety, constructed of earthenware, and automatically
flushed. Although fairly satisfactorily, I should
like to see these reconstructed on the same plan as at Holy
Trinity.