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88
It became necessary to allocate Dr. Evans for duty at the
Tuberculosis Dispensary during the period from January 1st to
June 21st, and thus from February 4th to June 21st the normal
Medical Staff of the School Medical Service was reduced by five
sessions per week. Moreover, during the early part of the year,
and prior to his resignation, Dr. Clayton was engaged upon work
in connection with Maternity and Child Welfare upon two sessions
per week, which resulted in a further depletion of the staff of the
School Medical Service.
Dr. Douglas Benton commenced duty as a temporary Assistant
School Medical Officer, in place of Dr. Evans, on the 1st October
and continued until the end of the year.
(a) (ii.) Administration and Clerical Staff.
The importance of the class and nature of the work carried out
by the Administrative Clerical Staff is not generally appreciated,
and it is well to point out that many new administrative measures
have been introduced of late, in order to successfully apply the
decisions of the Education Authority. The extension of the Dental
Section, contemplated by the Committee, will call for additional
administrative measures, and various facilities for treatment which
have been introduced during the past two years have decidedly
increased responsibility, and brought about a material change in
duties.
The success of all schemes depends in no small measure upon
the foresight and thought given to their application, and the ability
of the Officers concerned to make them effective.
I desire to congratulate Mr. Read and his Staff upon the
efficient conduct of the administration of the School Medical Service.
It will be remembered that in the year 1926 I endeavoured to
convince the Committee that the grading of the clerical staff should
be equitable with the character of the duties involved but, unfortunately,
the time was considered inopportune for making much
alteration in the existing position. One feels, however, that it is
unfair to trespass upon the ability of efficient staff without making
some endeavour to provide adequate grading.