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118
Footgear.—In judging of the boots, capability of
keeping the foot dry and suitability for the growing foot
were the two chief features looked for. 18 per cent. were
thought to be markedly deficient in these requirements.
Numbers of children undoubtedly suffer from damp feet in
wet weather, and are predisposed thereby to colds, bronchitis,
and the more serious disease, rheumatism. In 1.2 per
cent. the state of the footgear was thought to exert a
markedly injurious effect on the child's health, and notices
were sent to the parent. The boys in the agricultural parts
of the district are of necessity well shod, but the great weight
of the country boot must cause fatigue, and the rigidity of
the sole predisposes to flat-foot. Some of the elder girls
were found to be wearing very high heels, and advice was
given that their use should be discontinued. A small number
of children absented themselves from school owing to their
having no boots, and several children had to be excused from
school owing to sores on the feet, usually due to ill-fitting
boots.
Verminous Conditions.—Body lice have been dealt
with above. Careful attention was directed to the presence
of vermin in the hair .55 per cent of the girls were found
to be actually infected with lice. .18.45 Per cent. of the girls
and .76 per cent. of the boys were found to have been
recently infected, as shown by the presence of the eggs or
"ova" on the hairs. Dealing first with the boys, the
condition is usually a temporary one, due to infection from a
sister or playmate. The problem does not lie here, but with
the girls. There has undoubtedly been an improvement here
during the year, due to a more healthy public opinion and
the labours of the School Nurse. Unfortunately there are
still many bad cases met with of neglect in this respect. Not
a few children are known to the School Medical Officer who
have been infested with lice for months and even for years.
It will probably be necessary before long to proceed to strong