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94
SPEECH.
"There were only 31 cases of stammering found, principally
among the older children. A large preponderance of cases was
found in boys. The children affected appeared to belong to two
classes, those whose home conditions were good but who were
highly nervous and excitable, and who suffered in some cases from
enlarged tonsils or adenoid growths, and those who were
obviously underfed and uncared for. Again it is necessary to
point out the importance of well-taught breathing exercises
in the education of school children. The cure of stammering,
after eliminating any condition which interferes with the nutrition
of the child resolves itself first into the teaching of proper control
over the muscles concerned in respiration, and the co-ordination
of the muscles involved ki speech.
The following were the conditions found, which are grouped
under "Other Conditions Dyspepsia, 10; Worms, 43;
Enuresis, 9; Constipation, 3; Phimosis, 1; Parotid Tumour, 1;
Debility, 4; Hypospadias, 1; Facia] Paralysis, 1; Naevus, 3;
Prolapsus Ani, 1; Leucorrhœa, 3; Branchial Tumour, 2;
Rheumatism, 11; Appendicitis, 1; Thyroid Gland enlarged, 3;
Whitlow, 1 ; Nephritis, 1; Herpes, 1."
INSPECTION CLINIC AND THE TREATMENT OF MINOR
AILMENTS.
Each morning on which the Elementary Schools are open an
Inspection Clinic is held at the Town Hall, to which children come
who are referred to the School Medical Officer by the School
Medical Inspector, Head Teachers, or School Visiting Officers.
Such children as are not fit to be in school are excluded and kept
under observation until it is safe for them to resume attendance
at school. In close association with the Inspection Clinic is the
Minor Ailments Clinic, in which the treatment of such conditions
as discharging ears, sore eyes, ringworm, and simple skin
complaints is undertaken. In some instances the parents are
instructed how to carry out the treatment at home, and in suitable