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103
important features of the figures submitted are the high percentage
(19.07 per cent.) of children found to be unclean in 1913, and the
substantial decrease in the percentage of unclean school children
over the period of 40 years—from 19.07 per cent, in 1913 to 1.09 per
cent, in 1953. Had it not been for the second world war, the decrease
would no doubt have been progressive, but in 1943 conditions were
exceptional and the progressive fall suffered a temporary check.
The most remarkable fall in the percentage incidence of
uncleanliness occurred in the 10-year period that ended in 1923 ;
and the following extract—from the Annual Report of my
predecessor for the year 1925—throws some light on the extent to
which such vermin as head lice may be regarded as the " hangerson
" of the world of fashion.
" By far the majority of these verminous conditions are
due to lice and nits, which of course are most numerous in the
long hair of girls. Bobbed and shingled hair is an undisguised
blessing. May the fashion long continue. Cleanliness and
freedom of the brain-case from the weight and heat of great
masses of hair more than compensate for the loss of the
abundant locks to which an old fetish attributes woman's
glory."
MEDICAL TREATMENT.
Minor Ailments Clinics.
Attendances.
During the year 3,772 individual children attended the clinics,
and made 9,597 attendances.
Defective Vision.
Of the 4,038 children subjected to routine code group inspection
in the schools, 188 (4.65 per cent.) were found to be suffering from
some eye defect requiring treatment.
Special Eye Clinic.
During the year there were referred to the Ophthalmic Surgeon
1,198 children. They made 1,658 attendances for examination and
treatment. Sixty-three children were found to have no defect
requiring treatment.