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110
Infantile Paralysis.
Two children had paralysis affecting one or more limbs.
The cause of the disease appeared to have been Poliomyelitis
occurring in each case at an early age.
Infectious Disease.
During the course of inspection 2 case; of Mumps were
discovered, both being of such a mild degree as to be readily
overlooked.
Clothing and Footgear.
Speaking generally, the clothes and boots are good, but
in 83 instances this was not so.
[This much larger number is probably due to the fact that
during 1912 the number of children examined at one of our
poorest schools was many less than in the year 1913].
In these, although the children were not actually in rags and
tatters, the condition of their garments or boots was seriously
defective. The cleanliness of the children's clothes is not always
all that can be desired, but at the routine inspections a little
"tidying up" as evident. The use of pins to fasten the
children's garments shows no sign of decreasing, and the
Nurse has many occasions to regret that they are not even
of the "Safety" variety.
An excellent plan was inaugurated some years ago of
establishing a "Boot Club" in connection with the Schools.
By this means the parents are enabled to keep the children
well shod, and the cost is spread over a period of weeks or
months. I am told that over 300 pairs of boots were obtained
in this way during the year. A bonus of 2d. is given for
every shilling saved and spent on boots.
Feeding of Children.
Owing to moving trade and the consequent small
amount of unemployment, it was found unnecessary to undertake
the provision of meals last year.