View report page

children have as much as is good for them; and, from my close
observations of them at their midday meal, they certainly enjoy
it. As a result they look brighter and better, increase in weight,
and the Teachers testify to the improvement shown. The cases are
very carefully selected after enquiry and consideration, through the
recommendations of the Teachers, Visitation Officers, Nurses and
Doctors. An old Army hut makes a very good dining centre, with
accommodation for some 120 children at a time.
12.—SCHOOL BATHS.
There is a large enclosed pool (100ft. long by 30ft. broad),
containing water varying from 3ft. 6in. to 7ft. deep. This Bath is
very popular, and large numbers of children are being taught to
swim, and many—both boys and girls—are becoming expert at it.
A Festival Meeting is held once a year, when races and exhibitions
of diving and swimming take place. The children are instructed
in swimming by various Teachers, and are always under
official supervision whilst at the Bath. There is also an Open-Air
Swimming Pool, and this is in much demand during the summer.
For some 18 months, an experiment was tried of allowing children
to have Cleansing Baths after school hours at the price of Id., but
this was given up as sufficient applicants were not forthcoming.
13.—CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS.
Previously to Medical Inspection in the Infants' Department,
a notice is sent to the mother asking her to attend the School at the
appointed time, in order to see the Doctor when he examines her
child. In the great majority of cases, this is done and much good
accrues from the interview; defects are pointed out, and treatment
is suggested and advised. A good many parents also attend
subsequent Medical Inspections, and they are always welcome.
In a small number of cases the parents do not come, and they are
often specially those whom we wish to see, in order to have a
personal opportunity of persuading them to attend to much-needed
treatment. In these instances, my Medical Visitation Officer calls
at the child's house.
14.—CO-OPERATION OF TEACHERS.
I have to acknowledge with pleasure the growing interest that
Teachers are taking in Medical Inspection and the welfare of their
boys and girls. So much more can be done when their sympathy
12