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"(5.) That the Caretakers and Cleaners act under the
direction of the head teachers with regard to the
application of dust allaying materials.
"(6) That Mersal non-slip powder and Dusmo be
placed on the requisition lists for use in the schools,
and the necessary quantities ordered by the head
teachers as and when required; the cost, however,
not to be a charge against the allowance per
scholar for stock and stores."
The Education Committee, at their meeting on 1st July
last, passed the following report of the Children's Care
Committee:—
"Dust Allaying Materials.
(10) "We have received a report from the Clerk of
Works in regard to the use of dust allaying materials and
their effect on the wood floors of the schools. We have
asked the School Medical Officer to report to us on the whole
question of dust allaying preparations and school cleaning."
At the same time I was instructed to obtain as far as
possible the opinions of Head Teachers regarding the use
of dust allaying materials, and I should be much obliged for
any observations you may have to make on the subject.
So far as I have been able to ascertain, the advantages
and disadvantages of oily dust allaying preparations, for
example, Mersal or Dustolio, may be set out as follows:—
Advantages.
1. Dust allayed.
2. Breathing of children and teachers improved.
3. Sore throats less frequent.
4. Loss of voice of teachers less frequent.
5. Labour of floor scrubbing practically abolished.