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The boys' urinals are mostly of slate, without separate
stalls, and in the majority of cases flushed by hand. I am told
that the latter method has given better results than the automatic
flush, but, personally, I favour the glazed earthenware
urinals with separate stalls automatically flushed.
Cloak-Rooms.—In some schools these are excellent, but
only fairly good in others. As a rule the cloak-rooms are light
and well-ventilated. Some improvements should be effected
at St. John's and St. Mary's. Constant through ventilation
is important; if this is provided damp clothes dry much more
quickly, and the objectionable odour of an ill-ventilated cloakroom
is avoided.
Lavatory Accommodation in most cases is good and
sufficient. More basins are about to be provided in the
Infants' Department at Long Lane Schools and at Christ
Church. It is desirable also that at least another basin should
be provided for the Infante' Department at St. John's School.
It is difficult, especially in the Infants' and Boys' Departments,
to insure the cleanliness of the roller-towels, but some
improvement would result from a more frequent renewal.
Playgrounds.-Excellent playgrounds with covered areas
are provided in connection with most of the schools. A great
improvement would be effected by tar-paving the playground
at St. Mary's School, and also by some extension of the paving
at the rear of Christ Church Schools.
Cleansing of the School Premises.—The Secretary of
Education informs me that each caretaker has printed instructions
as to his duties in this matter. The rooms are swept
every night (damp sawdust being used) and "damp-dusted"
every morning ready for occupation at 9 o'clock. Each room
is washed at least once a fortnight and the halls once a month.
Definite times are assigned for the cleansing of lavatories,
w.c.'s, gullies, etc., and each caretaker is held responsible for
the cleanliness of all the sanitary appliances. When infectious