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84
their children. Many of them do not seem to notice the
defect, and even in cases where they have noticed something
they have taken it that the children would grow out of it.
A similar indifference waa found as regards eye-eight.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
The year 1913, as regards Infectious Diseases, was, if
anything, worse than the previous year, and I am afraid
when the attendance statistics are published by the Board of
Education that Hendon may be deposed from its position at
the top of the Committees in Middlesex. The Central
Hendon Infants' School and St. Mary's R.C. School were both
closed on account of Measles for short periods, but in nearly
every district the attendance at the Schools was seriously
affected by the absence of children on account of infectious
diseases. The number of notifications sent in by the Head
Teachers are given in Schedule G, but I am sorry to state
that the figures given do not nearly represent the actual number
of cases. Care was taken to exclude every case that
appeared suspicious, but in some cases it was regrettable to
find that the parents did not take the matter seriously. One
still comes across oases of parents who have allowed children
excluded from school on account of infectious disease in the
home to take up little jobs, to the danger of the general
public. When the matter is brought to their notice such
parents usually plead ignorance', but it may be necessary at
some future time to take steps against such offenders.
PERSONAL HYGIENE.
The conditions under this head continue to improve, and
even in the schools attended by children from the poorer districts
there is abundant evidence that the lessons in Hygiene
are bearing fruit. There is no doubt that the personality of
the Teacher is a great factor in this direction. It must not