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80
EXTENT AND SCOPE OF INSPECTION.
The Board of Education in a recent letter to the Committee
commented on the small number of leavers who
appeared to have been examined.
As a matter of fact, however, very few cases had been
missed, but it so happened that the Board's return was for
the period ending 31st July, and many of the thirteen-year-old
children were not examined until after that period. Arrangements
have now been made so that these children will be
examined earlier in the year.
The number of children medically examined during the
period, namely, 2,791, is the highest number ever examined
in one year. In addition to this, a very large number (699
children) were specially examined, and the particulars of their
defects noted on the "B" cards. Some of the latter children
were examined more than once, and their progress carefully
noted. Altogther these children necessitated 1,158 separate
examinations. Many of the worst cases were seen by me at
the Offices. These involved 324 examinations. From
Schedule "A" it will be seen that 1,731 children (890 boys
and 841 girls) were examined in the Senior Departments,
whilst 1,060 children (563 boys and 497 girls) were examined
in the Infants' Departments.
Details and particulars of the inspection are to be found
in Schedules "B" and "C." Of the total number examined,
1,005 or 35 per cent., were found to be without obvious
defects. This is an increase of one per cent, on the previous
year.
I venture to think that a perusal of Schedule "F" will
be very instructive, as it shows a comparison of the results
since 1908. There is no doubt that the fact that the children
are now subject to inspection has been noted by the parents,