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attendance and numbers on roll was noticeable towards the end of
October. It is thought that this decrease in numbers is partly
attributable to the prejudice of many of the mothers to open-air
conditions during the winter, but an outbreak of whooping cough
early in October with the necessary six weeks absence, and in the
case of contacts, even longer periods, has done much to pull down
the attendance during the winter months.
''There have been isolated cases of Scarlet Fever, Mumps, Chicken
Pox and Diphtheria throughout the year but no epidemic development.
The danger of Diphtheria germ carriers was commented
upon by the Medical Officer and treatment was attempted by means
of nasal spraying.
"In view of many children being infested with fleas in the
Autumn a monthly disinfection of all beds and bedding was effected
by the Public Health Department. This, together with the
regular observation of children's heads by the School Nurse, has
done much towards overcoming this danger.
"There was a longer spell of really warm sunny weather this
year than during the summer of 1931, and sun suits were worn
constantly for some weeks. It is pleasing to be able to record that
there was practically no opposition on the part of the mothers to
either ''sun bathing'' or ''spray bathing'' as in previous years,
but it was felt that the children would enjoy "spray bathing"
more if it could be arranged for this activity to take place out-ofdoors.
"A more palatable brand of Cod Liver Oil Emulsion was used
towards the end of the year. All children considered to need this
preparation were given it. The teeth of all the children attending
were examined by the Dentist in November who reported a big
percentage of unsound teeth and faulty dentition. This was
attributed to excess of sugar in the diet, but it is felt that cheap
sweets given to the children by their mothers is largely accountable.
Efforts to prevent them doing so have been made, but it is difficult
to control what goes on out of school hours.''
19. SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
The Authority for the provision of Secondary Schools in your
Borough is the Essex County Council.
20. CONTINUATION SCHOOLS.
There are no Continuation Schools in the Area.