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154
the week, and even under these circumstances does not meet the
full demands of the service. Administration is considerably
handicapped by inadequate office accommodation. Progress and
efficiency in the School Medical Service are dependent upon good
working conditions.
The investigation into the nutrition of children attending the
schools of the Borough elicited no excessive proportion of sufferers
in this respect. Malnutrition would not appear to be dependent
??? lack of food alone but to many factors associated with domestic
and environmental conditions, and it is in this regard that the
public generally should be made aware of detrimental influences
affecting the health of the child. Details of this inquiry are
submitted later in the Report. (Sec. 22. Special Enquiries.)
Much time and patience has been expended by members of
the Authority in obtaining detailed information in regard to the
quality and quantity of food and methods of preparation and
cooking adopted at the Feeding Centres. As a result the alterations
affected have been the means of placing the dietary, both
from a medical and general aspect upon a definite basis and thus
ensure to the children a substantial, appetising and highly
nutritious meal. (Sec. 11. Provision of Meals.)
I wish to express my appreciation of the keen interest and
loyal co-operation of all the members of my staff.
My sincere thanks are extended to the Teachers for their great
help and courtesy, and to Mr. Thompson, the Secretary to the
Education Committee, and his staff, for their invaluable assistance.
In conclusion, I respectfully beg to express my indebtedness
to the Chairman and Members of the Local Education Authority
for the interest, assistance and earnest consideration that they
have given to the work of the School Medical Service.
I have the honour to be,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
MALCOLM BARKER,
School Medical Officer.