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54
"In Walthamstow there are now 92 defectives under
Statutory Supervision, many of these having been notified
under the terms of the Mental Deficiency Acts by the Local
Education Committee during school years; 5 on licence from
Institutions; 6 under Guardianship, and 194 under Voluntary
Supervision.
"Legislation has made no provision for epileptics over
school age if they are not certifiable as mentally defective,
and bearing in mind the spirit in which Section 5 of the Local
Government Act of 1929 was framed, this would appear a
serious omission. At present there is practically no evidence
in the county generally as to the number of epileptics who,
because of their epilepsy, are in need of care and/or financial
help, and we look forward with interest to the results of an
investigation into this matter which the Central Association
hopes shortly to initiate.
Occupation Centres: Junior Mixed and Girls' Centre.—
This Centre with 30 on the Roll continues to work happily at
the Settlement with Miss Carter in charge. The number of
elder girls has increased, and various attractive handicrafts
are being undertaken.
On July 17th the centre had an outing to Chalkwell (near
Westcliff-on-Sea). The weather was fine, and the day much
enjoyed by the children and those who accompanied them.
On December 18th they had a very successful Christmas
Party at the Settlement, the Local Mental and After-Care
Committee being entirely responsible for the arrangements.
Boys' Woodwork Class.—The boys' woodwork class meets
each morning under the direction of Miss Carol Wood at
St. Stephen's Hall, Grove Road, and during the year a variety
of useful articles have been made and sold; orders are always
welcome. There is a real workshop atmosphere in the class,
and one or two boys promise to make good wood-carvers.
Interest in the class is appreciated, and visitors at both centres
are welcome.
On July 20th the boys went to Thorpe Bay, and in spite
of showers the day was a success, fairs and sideshows
proving an attraction. Then on January 3rd Mr. Bristow
arranged for them to see a pantomime, on which occasion
each boy was given a small present. The pantomime is an
annual treat which they much enjoy.